Gas-cooled civil power reactors: twenty-one years' experience in the field of tribology

The advent of nuclear power brought many challenges for the tribologist. Whilst some difficulties were identified at the design stage others arose during component proving, plant commissioning, or operation. The very wide range of reactor plant items needing the tribologists' attention, and the stage at which involvement was necessary are identified. The response and the approaches employed are illustrated by discussing examples covering the principal topics of the subject: friction, lubrication and wear. (author)