A structure and process for containing a
nuclear reaction is disclosed. The structure and process may involve a nuclear containment structure including a plurality of metallic rings stacked axially to form the nuclear containment structure, the nuclear containment structure being configured to: mitigate, by using a
physical barrier, the movement of radionuclides from inside a containment structure to a surrounding space; shield, by varying the
alloy properties throughout the containment structure, an exterior of the containment structure from
radiation produced inside of the containment structure; regulate, by transferring
thermal energy, a temperature within the containment structure; regulate, by storing
thermal energy, the temperature within the containment structure; shield, components within the nuclear containment structure from kinetic events external to the nuclear containment structure; and shield, the external environment, from kinetic events within the nuclear containment structure.