Helium and hydrogen generation in the structural materials (SM) of nuclear reactors is considered. The method to calculate the gases production is described. By applying the program code MMK, the neutron spectra in various positions including zones with different fuel enrichment and internals are calculated in BOR-60, MBIR, BN-800, BREST and WWER-SKD reactors and USDOE/JAERI experimental facility. Neutron fluxes in 299 energy groups are obtained. An analysis of experimental and evaluated (n,p) and (n,α) reaction excitation functions is performed for the main chemical elements of SM. The chemical elements with large incomes in helium and hydrogen generation are estimated. The main contributors in helium production are Ni and B and in hydrogen production is Ni.
Using FISPACT code, the helium and hydrogen generation rates are calculated in ChS139 ferritic-martensitic steel and in EK164 and 18Cr9Ni austenitic steels under neutron irradiation in different positions of these reactors. Differences in dose rates in some reactors or in helium and hydrogen generation rates can lead to significant differences in swelling of SM under irradiation in these reactors at the same temperatures and doses.
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