Iron

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.

Atomic number (Z)

26

Standard atomic mass

55.9 u

Category

Transition Metal