Materials degradation phenomena, if not appropriately managed, have the potential to adversely impact the design functionality and safety margins of nuclear power plant (NPP) systems, structures and components (SSCs). Therefore, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has initiated an over-the-horizon multi-year research Proactive Management of Materials Degradation (PMMD) Research Program, which is presently evaluating longer time frames (i.e., 80 or more years) and including passive long-lived SSCs beyond the primary piping and core internals, such as concrete containment and cable insulation. This will allow the NRC to (1) identify significant knowledge gaps and new forms of degradation; (2) capture current knowledge base; and, (3) prioritize materials degradation research needs and directions for future efforts. This effort is being accomplished in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) LWR Sustainability (LWRS) program. This presentation will discuss the activities to date, including results, and the path forward.The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) has initiated an over-the-horizon multi-year research program in order to develop an improved understanding of aging degradation and failure mechanisms affecting nuclear power plant (NPP) materials. This program will better prepare the agency by providing the technical information needed to develop timely regulatory responses to potential future materials degradation safety concerns as and if they arise; will enable the staff to work with the industry on preemptive measures that the licensees can implement in the near-term in order to mitigate the effects of these mechanisms so as to preclude a potential safety issue from occurring; and, will assist in understanding long-term aging-related degradation issues that may impact future license renewal applications and other licensing actions.
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