Fe
Iron
Z = 26 · Transition Metal · 55.9 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Primary structural material in reactor systems — pressure vessels, core support structures, piping, and shielding. Thermal absorption (σ_a = 2.56 b) is moderate. Iron is the dominant material in shielding calculations. Radiation embrittlement of RPV steel (primarily Fe) is a reactor lifetime-limiting concern.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 26
- Standard atomic mass
- 55.9 u
- Category
- Transition Metal
Isotopes & cross-section data
View in ALLEN →| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries | σ(E) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fe-54 | 54 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | View → | |
| Fe-56 | 56 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | View → | |
| Fe-57 | 57 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | View → | |
| Fe-58 | 58 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | View → |