Niobium's use in Nuclear Reactors

Niobium, with a chemical substance symbol of Nb, is the lustrous low-cal hoar ductile metallic element that resembles tantalum chemically, and proves to be an passing essential yet fascinating transition element. With an atomic calculate of 41, nota bene combines military metier, a high melt point, confrontation to chemical attack, and a pitiable neutron absorption cross-section. All of this promotes its subroutine in the thermonuclear industry, especially in control rods of nuclear reactors. The prices of nota bene are reasonable too, at a virtuous $75/lb, and are maintained by the largest producer to turn away trade perception of a monopoly situation (Winter). Thus, niobium acts as a key element in nuclear fission reactors, collectable to its big potential, high melting point, foe to vitriolic chemicals, and low neutron absorption. Generally, niobium is incorporated into nuclear fission reactors receivable to its enormous strength and low density. It was disc oered that the addition of 1% zirconium to niobium greatly improved the overall strength of the debauch over the soft pure metal. Thus the Nb-Zr intermixture became the refilling for pure niobium in applications requiring the chemical resistance of niobium and a material with a high melting temperature.

Beca substance abuse of the increase need for better strengths and the advance of new technologies, Nb-Zr has been replaced by alloys such(prenominal) as C-103, which has greater strength and thus improved reliability, merely still retains all the desirable characteristics of Nb-Zr. Although it is n ow outdated and isnt use as much for its str! ength anymore, Nb-Zr still has several advantages over other alloys. For example, it is much less expensive than the higher strength Carbon alloys, and can also be used in applications where a high-temperature material is needed with low loads, such as a load-free thermal shield in nuclear reactors. Furthermore, niobium possesses a moderate density, 8.57 gm/cc, which is... If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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