Corrosion is an electrochemical process that causes the surface ofthe metals/alloys degrade over time in the presence of a chemical environment. Corrosion resistance of materials used in nuclear components is important in many applications to ensure that they serve as desired. The “cost of corrosion” can result in immediate property and life endangerment and increased downtime, leading to substantial losses. Many nuclear components inside the reactor stay in close contact with reactor fluids (e. g., coolant in the form of liquid or gas). These effects get exacer­bated due to the presence ofradiation fields.

1.9.1.3 Design

Although design does not generally fall under the purview of a materials engi­neer, he/she is in a unique position to figure out early whether the faulty design would pose a problem. Designs leaving stress concentration sites (sharp recesses, keyholes, and the like) are typically unwarranted in load-bearing applications since it may interfere with the capability of the component to serve properly. For example, fatigue properties are especially prone to the pres­ence of stress concentration sites.