Magnetic materials for nuclear applications

Published: 2023-03-15 10:18:24 • Daniel Gårdefelt

Magnets are important in many fields, including the nuclear industry. Magnetic materials serve many functions in nuclear power applications, including radiation shielding, control systems, and power generation. With their superior strength, stability and longevity, magnetic materials are a perfect fit for use in nuclear power environments. Today we will look at the different magnetic materials and what they contribute to nuclear technology.

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Ferrite
A ceramic material with magnetic properties, ferrite is known as a ferrocerium oxide. Because ferrite has such high radiation resistance, high magnetic permeability and low eddy current loss, it is widely used in nuclear applications. Radiation shielding and control rod components are two of the many uses for ferrite in nuclear power plants. Both magnetic field sensors and power generating systems benefit from their properties.

Nickel Iron Boron Neodymium (NdFeB)
When it comes to magnetism, NdFeB is one of the rare earth elements that stands out. Because of its high degree of magnetism and high stability, neodymium is often used in nuclear applications. Magnetic levitation applications, which use magnets to repel/float and move things without touching them, rely on NdFeB in nuclear power plants. Sensors and control systems also use NdFeB magnets.

Samarium and Cobalt (SmCo)
The magnetic properties of SmCo, as with other rare earth magnets, are exceptional. Due to its high temperature stability and excellent radiation resistance, SmCo is often used in nuclear applications. In nuclear power plants, SmCo magnets are used for control rods, magnetic bearings, sensors and power generation systems.

Alnico
Strong magnetic properties can be found in Alnico, an aluminum, nickel and cobalt alloy. Due to Alnico's extreme durability, it is often used in nuclear power applications. Alnico magnets are used as control rods in nuclear reactors and in magnetic sensors, power generation systems and magnetic bearings in nuclear power plants.

Soft magnetic materials
Transformer and inductor magnetic cores made of soft magnetic materials have broadened their use in nuclear applications. With ease, these materials can be magnetized and demagnetized and this is a result of their low magnetic coercivity. In nuclear applications, soft magnetic materials such as iron, nickel and cobalt are commonly used.

In summary
Magnetic materials are critical to the success of nuclear applications such as radiation shielding, control systems and power generation. Due to their radiation resistance, high magnetic permeability and high temperature stability, magnetic materials such as ferrites, NdFeB, SmCo, alnico and soft magnetic materials are widely used in nuclear applications. Magnetic materials are expected to play a greater role in the creation of safer, more environmentally friendly nuclear power technology as technology improves.