Interlocking Nuclear Shield Blocks With Removable Concrete Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction methods for nuclear reactor bio-shields are inefficient in terms of cost and time, and generate significant nuclear waste during decommissioning, while requiring specialized radiation, fire, and physical shock resistance.
Innovation Solution
A modular construction block composed of basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite and concrete, designed to interlock in multiple dimensions, featuring a trapezoidal prismatic honeycomb structure with protrusions and recesses for stacking, and a framework that contains discrete concrete volumes for graded radiation absorption and data integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional construction methods are used for nuclear reactor bio-shields, then radiation shielding can be achieved, but construction is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bio-shield is divided into multiple modular construction blocks that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site. Each block contains a framework with internal volumes that can be filled with different concrete types, allowing parallel manufacturing and customization while reducing overall construction time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework structure is manufactured in advance with pre-formed protrusions and recesses for interlocking. The internal volumes are prepared before concrete filling, allowing the structural framework to be ready for assembly while the radiation-absorbing concrete is being prepared or poured, streamlining the construction process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional bio-shield structures are used, then radiation protection is provided, but significant nuclear waste is generated during decommissioning
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation-absorbing concrete is contained within removable internal volumes inside the framework. During decommissioning, these concrete-filled volumes can be extracted and removed from the framework structure, separating the radiation-shielding function from the structural framework and minimizing nuclear waste that requires long-term storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework structure is designed to be reusable after the concrete is removed. The framework can be cleaned and reconfigured for new applications, while only the concrete portions that absorbed radiation are discarded as waste, significantly reducing the volume of material requiring nuclear waste management.
3Strength
If basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite framework is used, then fire resistance and mechanical strength are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework manufacturing process combines several operations into one integrated pultrusion process. The basalt fibre reinforcement, polymer matrix impregnation, and structural form-giving are all achieved in a single continuous manufacturing step, producing complex 3D geometries with high mechanical strength without requiring multiple assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The pultrusion process allows continuous adjustment of manufacturing parameters such as fibre orientation, resin flow rate, and curing temperature to optimize both the mechanical properties and geometric complexity of the framework. This enables production of intricate honeycomb and cellular structures with controlled material properties.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient construction of radiation-shielding structures with reduced nuclear waste generation, enhanced fire resistance, and improved mechanical strength, while allowing for real-time data collection and customizable radiation absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a framework (30) formed from a fibre reinforced polymer composite... concrete (20) in the internal volumes (20) of the cells (10)... customizable radiation absorption
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular nuclear shield wall construction block 1, 40 comprising a framework 30 formed from a basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite and concrete interspersed within the framework, wherein the block is configured to interlock with a corresponding block in one or more dimensions. A method 500 of forming a modular construction block 1, 40; and a method 600 of forming a modular structure are also disclosed.