Atomic energy research

Abstract

The Australian Atomic Energy Commission's Lucas Heights Establishment is the major Australian centre for atomic energy research and information. It has a programme of research in the development of nuclear power, the utilisation of radioisotopes, and in other associated fields, directed towards the long-term development of the resources of the country.

The main feature of this programme is the development of a type of nuclear power reactor suited to Australian needs. A high temperature gas cooled reactor has been selected for study. By comparison with the nuclear power stations in existence or being planned at the present day, this is an advanced system. It is expected to be capable of competing on a cost basis with new coal-burning power stations in many parts of Australia.

It is hoped to make this a "breeder" system whereby new fuel is bred from thorium at about the same rate as the original uranium reactor fuel is consumed, thus prolonging fuel life.

Developing of this system is essentially a long-range project and in the initial stages an extremely precise and careful study must be made of the basic physics and engineering of the system, and of the materials involved in its construction.

It is necessary to develop nuclear materials which can be fabricated to the required shape and form and can withstand the severe chemical and nuclear conditions within the proposed reactor. The physics of various configurations and proportions of these materials has to be analysed in detail, and the engineering of the core and associated structures has to achieve optimum conditions for highest output with minimum cost, commensurate with safety.

The Research Establishment is now doing considerable into the properties of beryllium and its oxide, which have valuable nuclear qualities. These properties are affected by the methods of fabrication and by exposure to intense radiation. Much has yet to be learned about the corrosion resistance, high -temperature strength, and radiation resistance of materials based on this element.

Emphasis is placed on obtaining the basic scientific information necessary to interpret the technological data and enable development of improved materials. The Research Establishment is already making significant contributions to the world's knowledge of the chemistry, physics and metallurgy of beryllium.