IGCAR : Annual Report - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

Metallurgy and Materials Group
Dr. P.R. Vasudeva Rao
Director
Dr. K. Bhanu Sankara Rao
Associate Director, MDCG
Shri K.V. Kasiviswanathan
Associate Director, GRIP
Dr. C. S. Sundar
Head, MSD
Dr. R.K, Dayal
Head, CSTD
Dr. T. Jayakumar
Head, NDED
Dr. S. Venugopal
Head, RIRD
Dr. M. Vijayalakshmi
Head, PMD
Dr. A.K. Bhaduri
Head, MTD
The Metallurgy and Materials Group has the mandate for comprehensive materials R & D programme
focussed towards FBR technology. This requires multifaceted and multidisciplinary approaches that
include development of special alloys, welding consumables, optimisation of fabrication schedules, characterisation
of mechanical properties under sustained as well as varying loads at elevated temperatures
over a wide ranges of strain rates, comprehensive characterisation of corrosion and bio-fouling, development
and application of specialised NDE techniques, innovative designs, and robotics for remote handling.
This has been backed by fundamental studies in basic science that includes studies on microstructure
dependence of the various properties, radiation damage, positron annihilation, thermo-physical properties
and mathematical modelling. Some significant contributions of the group include PIE of FBTR fuel pins
that has led to enhancement of target burn up, and development of indigenous structural steels and welding
consumables for PFBR applications. At the same time, the outstanding research contributions have
brought international recognition in fields as diverse as life prediction under creep and creep-fatigue conditions,
characterisation of microstructures by NDE techniques, welding science and technology, and
materials science.
202