Material Testing Complex

The Material Testing Complex, one of the largest in the world, was commissioned in 1964 to solve tasks of the reactor material science.

It comprises more than 60 hot cells to examine the elementary composition, micro- and macro-structure and mechanical and physical properties of irradiated materials and items.

The hot cells are equipped with automated and remote cutting machines, mechanical test machines, optical and electronic microscopes and micro-hardness meters. There are also devices for X-ray, elementary and isotopic analysis as well as devices to measure density, gas release, thermal capacity, thermal conductivity, electrical resistance, etc.

The examinations result in new data necessary for justification and improvement of safety and efficiency of various reactor facilities. New materials to be operated under irradiation are developed and justified and new nuclear reactor components are designed as well. Fundamental and theoretical work is performed to study and simulate the processes causing irradiation-induced changes in reactor materials.

In December 1986, a multi-purpose research unit was launched to investigate full-size fuel assemblies of nuclear power reactors VVER-440, VVER-1000, RBMK and BN as well as experimental fuel rods irradiated in research reactors under stationary, transient and accidental conditions. The unit occupies a separate building; there are hot cell and shielded boxes, transport hall and cooling pool to store fuel assemblies and fuel rods. The unit has a unique refabrication area to prepare fuel rods for in-pile and out-of-pile experiments, including their instrumentation with gages.