Comprehensive nuclear testing solutions

We are committed to pushing the boundaries of nuclear technology with our advanced testing and analytical services. Specializing in the essential aspects of nuclear operations from material testing to advanced radiation transport modeling, MPM is a pivotal leader in the nuclear industry.  Our services are crafted to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance for nuclear facilities around the world.

Nuclear material testing

The integrity of the materials under irradiation is of central importance for safe nuclear plant operation. Our nuclear material testing services are designed to meticulously assess the physical and mechanical properties of these materials under the unique stresses, temperatures, and environments they encounter. We conduct a wide spectrum of tests covering mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, thermal properties, physical properties, retrospective dosimetry, cask certification testing, and radiation embrittlement. Thorough evaluation is critical in selecting the appropriate materials for specific nuclear applications, and in understanding how existing materials will perform over time under gamma and neutron exposure.

We offer a comprehensive range of tests to evaluate various aspects of material performance. Each test is conducted using state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies tailored to replicate the harsh conditions within a nuclear reactor. This approach ensures that all materials meet the regulatory standards and fulfil the practical operational demands of a nuclear facility.  MPM is one of only a few private companies that operate high-activity hot cells.

Our commitment to nuclear material testing goes beyond compliance with standards; it aims to enhance the operational reliability and safety of nuclear reactors through current test methods and also by the development of advanced technologies. By providing detailed and accurate material assessments, we help the nuclear industry make informed decisions about material selection, maintenance strategies, and life extension of critical components. Whether you are developing new reactors, or operating an existing facility, we are your trusted partner in ensuring that every material and component meets the rigorous demands of nuclear plant operation.

Physical Property Testings

Our testing capabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Mechanical testing: This includes fracture toughness, impact testing, tensile, compression, flexural strength, creep rupture, elastic modulus, hardness, fatigue, shear interlaminar, oxidation mass loss,  and dielectric tests.  Tests at MPM are conducted over the temperature range of cryogenic to 1,500 C.  MPM also offers equipment that non-destructively measures the strength and ductility of materials. These tests help determine how materials will behave under the mechanical stresses encountered in reactor operations. The ability to measure yield stress and ultimate tensile strength non-destructively is very useful in radioactive component failure analysis work.  MPM is also a world leader in miniatuized mechanical behavior testing which is important in both material surveillance programs as well as in failure analysis where there is often only small volumes of material available for testing.

• Corrosion testing: To ensure materials can withstand the corrosive environments found in nuclear reactors, we conduct corrosion tests, stress corrosion cracking tests, LWR flow loop studies, and electrochemical corrosion potential measurements.  The MPM Electrochemical Corrosion Potential (ECP) has been used in flow loop experiments as well as in operating nuclear reactors to monitor the stress-corrosion cracking potential during operation.

• Elevated temperature testing: Evaluating material behavior under varying temperatures is critical, especially for components that will experience high-temperature degradation. Our tests assess thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, high-temperature modulus, vibrational damping for internal friction measurement, and other thermal properties at temperature up to 1,500 C.

• Radioactive material testing: MPM hot cells are equipped with EDM, a computer-controlled conventional milling machine, grinding equipment, etc. for fabrication of mechanical and metallurgical test specimens from radioactive components .  The mechanical and physical properties can be measured in the hot cells or in shielded test stands outside of the cells.

Crack detection and failure analysis

Beyond standard testing, MPM employs advanced analytical techniques to delve deeper into material characteristics:

• Crack characterization: Visual inspection, liquid penetrant testing (PT), ultrasonic testing (UT), phased array UT, and magnetic particle testing (MPT)  are used to locate cracks in failed components. 

• Microstructural/fracture analysis: Tools such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDS, ICP, and x-ray fluorescence are used to determine the origin of cracks and the material chemical composition.

• Finite element analysis: When needed, FEA is performed to determine stresses in failed components as part of the failure root cause analysis.

Tailored testing protocols

As each nuclear facility has unique material challenges, MPM works closely with clients to develop customized testing protocols. Our team collaborates with material engineers, and safety specialists, to ensure the testing strategy is comprehensive and tailored to specific operational needs.