Simultaneous thermal and gamma radiation aging of cable polymers

Electrical cable systems in nuclear power plants may be exposed to environmental stresses including elevated temperatures and gamma radiation. Over time this exposure can lead to degradation of cable insulation and jacketing. Prediction of long-term cable material performance has been based on results of short-term accelerated laboratory aging studies, but questions remain regarding the correlation of accelerated aging to long-term, in-plant aging. This work seeks to increase understanding of the combined effects of heat and radiation on cable polymer material aging toward addressing these questions.