Modeling the degradation of aggregate properties under neutron radiation

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) have been a significant source of energy worldwide which emit various radiations that could affect the shielding materials. Since the operation time of nuclear power plants may extend to more than 60 years, the structural integrity of the concrete as the shielding material needs to be investigated. Concrete is mainly affected by Gamma-ray and neutron radiation. Gamma-ray effects are not consistent, while the neutron effects could be investigated. Concrete behavior is controlled by aggregate expansion due to neutron radiation. The previous developed models in this matter neglected the initial structure of aggregate’s minerals and its morphology. Therefore, the focus is modeling degradation of properties of aggregates under neutron irradiation by considering the shape of the aggregate minerals and their elastic properties using Mori-Tanaka scheme. Mori-Tanaka scheme was used to concrete applications and showed a good agreement for concrete Young’s modulus degradation under neutron radiation. • Theoretical model for Young’s modulus performance under neutron radiation. • Multiscale investigation on the effect of neutron radiation on aggregate using Mori-Tanak scheme. • Prediction of aggregate’s Young Modulus degradation considering its constituent minerals’ performance. • Investigation of indirect effect of neutron radiation on volumetric expansion of aggregates in concrete.