A set of quarter-scale model nuclear reactor 'bricks' made by AMEC in Warrington

Made:: 2012 in Warrington

A set of quarter-scale model nuclear reactor 'bricks' made by AMEC in Warrington. In a real reactor, these bricks are made of graphite and support and moderate fuel rods.

This ‘brick’ is made of plastic and was used for an experiment to study cracks in reactor cores.

This tubular ‘brick’ is just one of hundreds that made up a one-quarter scale model of the heart of an advanced gas-cooled nuclear reactor. The scale model was used to test distortion or shrinkage of the ‘bricks’. Data from these mechanical tests provided validation of various software models used to assess safety.

Amalgamated Mechanical Engineering and Construction (AMEC) was formed in 1982 when Leonard Fairclough & Son (founded 1883) and the William Press Group (founded 1913) merged. AMEC is now part of the John Wood Group plc, commonly known as Wood.

Details

Category:: Nuclear Energy

Object Number:: Y2012.8

Materials:: plastic (unidentified)

Measurements:: overall: 250 mm 3 kg

type:: model reactor

credit:: Gift of AMEC

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Parts

A quarter-scale model nuclear reactor 'brick' made by AMEC in Warrington in about 2010. In a real reactor

In a real reactor, these bricks are made of graphite and support and moderate fuel rods. This one is made of plastic and was an experiemental item made to prepare

for an experiment to study cracks in reactor cores.