Browsing by Subject "Nuclear Power Plant Safety"

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    An Investigation of Geopolymers for Use In High Temperature Applications
    (2018-08) Sundberg, Casey
    This research explores the use of various geopolymer concretes at high temperatures. Geopolymer cement concretes (GCCs) do not require hydration to maintain a stable structure. This is beneficial in high temperature conditions, such as a core meltdown at a nuclear power plant or a structural fire, where dehydration of materials occurs. Geopolymer concretes synthesized with fly ash, metakaolin, ground glass, and combinations thereof are investigated. To simulate the thermal loading that exists in a core meltdown, GCCs in this study are exposed to impulses of thermal energy. To simulate the effects of a structural fire, additional specimens are subjected to at a ramped heating rate. Specimens are also subjected to thermal shock loading through quenching with water. A nondestructive surface hardness test is also developed to determine compressive strengths at high temperatures. Specimens are also exposed to molten metal to simulate corium dropping onto the materials during a core meltdown.