DOE-HDBK-1017/2-93
PROPERTIES CONSIDERED WHEN SELECTING MATERIALS
Plant Materials
Summary
The important information in this chapter is summarized below.
Material Properties Considered for Selection Summary
Machinability is the ability of a metal to react to mechanical deformation by
removing chips, with respect to the amount of metal effectively removed and the
surface finish attainable. This property is important when selecting parts that
require very close tolerances and very smooth surfaces.
Formability of a material is its ability to withstand peripheral expansion without
failure or the capacity of the material to be manufactured into the final required
shape. This property is important when selecting materials that have to be made
into specific shapes by such means as rolling or bending and still retain their
required strength.
Stability of a material refers to its mechanical and chemical inertness under the
conditions to which it will be subjected. This property is important when selecting
materials environments such as high temperature, high acid, high radiation, and
high pressure environments.
Fabricability is a measure of the ease with which a material can be worked and
made into desirable shapes and forms. This property is important when materials
are required to have very complicated shapes or forms and require very close
tolerances.
Ductility is essential for materials that are subject to tensile and compressive
stresses. Ductility is important in the construction of reactor vessels.
Availability is the ease with which material can be obtained and its cost.
Good heat transfer properties are desirable for the boundary between the fuel and
the coolant. These properties are desirable for heat exchanger tubes, fuel cladding,
etc.
Cost is an important factor in selecting plant materials.
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