Wear problems in nuclear industry

In nuclear industry, several kinds of components or materials are subjected to wear phenomena. As the real system cannot be fully instrumented parameters regarding contact kinematics are not perfectly known. Mock up scale 1 and parametric tribometers are used to approach these phenomena. Initially, it is essential to be able to observe worn parts taken from reality or very similar system. It is then considered essential to research on the exact conditions of the encountered and to isolate them. To be representative of the effectively activated wear mode, the tests will have to feature similar wear kinetics and aspects (including shape and dimension). The damage survey is the key point in order to be realistic for improving solutions.