260054 VO Nuclear safety and material related problems II (2009S)

Failure of materials constitutes an essential risk factor in nuclear power plants and related nuclear installations. Current material-related safety problems of different plant types (including some non-nuclear) are demonstrated for selected examples. In parallel an overview of the nature and importance of various material classes including recent innovative developments (selection, design, manufacturing, testing, etc.) is presented in a manner suited to students of all faculties. The global societal importance of risks connected with nuclear power as well as power production in general (as part of the so-called "critical infrastructure") will be stressed. The focus will be related inter- and transdisciplinare research. Excursions to (mainly foreign) nuclear installations enhance practical understanding of their current risk problems. Part II continues Part I, but the latter is not a precondition for the understanding of Part II.