The resource of parts for nuclear power plants will be doubled

Researchers from the Engineering Center at Vladimir State University have adapted laser thermal hardening technology to increase the wear resistance of metal parts that can withstand high mechanical and temperature loads when working as part of equipment at nuclear power plants.

"The method is in demand for processing products that experience friction, shock loads and high temperatures. For example, gears, shafts, valves. Intensive mechanical and thermal effects lead to their accelerated wear. Laser forging increases the surface hardness and strength of parts without changing the geometry or properties of the core of the material," Maxim Kuznetsov, General Director of the Engineering Center at the All—Russian State University, told Izvestia.

He explained that the technology allows you to accurately withstand the set parameters of the impact on the material — in particular, the degree of hardening, the depth of processing and the trajectory of the scanning beam. This is important for compliance with technical specifications and regulations.

According to the expert, thanks to the introduction of technology, the service life of products is doubled. This reduces the cost of repair and maintenance of nuclear power plants.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

This is how steel was tempered: parts for nuclear power plants will become twice as strong.