With the rapid development of science and technology, the research on testing of mechanical parameters of different materials has reached a new stage allowing scientists to further improve safety of nuclear power stations and make possible nuclear plant life extensions.

A group of researchers led by Dr. Anatoly M. Bragov, Head of the Laboratory for Dynamic Testing of Materials at UNN Research Institute for Mechanics, initiated a project in 2014 to strengthen the scientific basis for analysis of the safety and service life of nuclear power plant equipment under normal operating conditions and emergency situations.

The project have received a three-year funding from the Russian Science Foundation that’s enabled researchers to develop new methods and tools to determine mechanical properties of plant structural materials affected by thermo-power, radiation, etc. at wide range of temperatures and strain rates.

The obtained results will facilitate emergency preparedness and help prevent various accident scenarios from occurring.