New applications of pneumatically powered testing equipment for extreme environments

Pneumatically powered loading apparatus designed to allow very accurate and reliable control and measurements of loads and displacements in different environments allow the generation of key mechanical material properties required for the design and life management of nuclear power generation components. This paper describes recent developments and modifications required for new testing applications for challenging environments such as super-critical water, molten lead and hydrogen atmospheres. Also, designs optimized for in-pile material testing are in the conceptual stage. In this paper the basic testing methodology and control systems of the pneumatic loading units are described together with the special features required by the new applications. Test equipment calibration and functionality verification is presented for selected cases together with some unique initial test results. Also, special testing types for future nuclear and hydrogen energy concepts are presented, i.e. liquid metal test loops for lead-cooled fast reactors and test loops for testing in high pressure hydrogen. A set-up for multi-purpose interchangeable specimen types is also presented. The full range of the available testing platforms and environments is briefly reviewed and the future development directions are discussed.