Advanced Next-Generation Nuclear Reactor Materials

Texas A&M Researchers Receive Funding to Advance Next-Generation Nuclear Reactor Materials

As nuclear reactor technology advances, it is essential to ensure that materials can endure harsh conditions for safety and durability. Future reactors will depend on novel, rigorously evaluated materials engineered to withstand elevated radiation, temperature variations, and corrosive conditions. Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers at Texas A&M are spearheading advancements with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Rapid Turnaround Experiment (RTE) program, which is designed to facilitate new research that could transform nuclear material science.

Supported by the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) program, each RTE recipient is allocated between $50,000 and $70,000 to execute studies aimed at enhancing our comprehension of material performance under reactor settings. Recipients at Texas A&M comprise Ph.D. candidates Rijul Chauhan, Kenneth Cooper, and Zhihan Hu, in addition to recent RTE project awardee Benjamin Mejia Diaz. Their research centers on evaluating materials that could potentially serve as essential elements in nuclear reactors, hence improving safety and performance.

Innovative Experiments in Irradiation Assessment

The Accelerator Laboratory at Texas A&M is integral to the RTE programs. Researchers employ radiation to replicate the impact of particles on materials in a reactor. Samples are subsequently studied at Idaho National Laboratory to evaluate the atomic-level effects on the materials.

Mejia Diaz is evaluating a novel two-step approach to more accurately simulate neutron damage in reactors. He suggests commencing void nucleation using a proton beam prior to administering heavy ion irradiation to promote void expansion. This dual-phase methodology seeks to more accurately replicate the damage sustained by reactors, facilitating improved forecasts of material performance in high-radiation conditions.

“Comprehending the voids generated by radiation enables us to ascertain how materials alter in strength, thermal resilience, and other properties essential to reactor safety,” Mejia Diaz elucidated.

Assessment of Material Expansion Under Irradiation

Rijul Chauhan is devising an effective method to examine material swelling under irradiation, a significant degrading phenomenon. Conventional techniques entail examining samples individually; however, Chauhan's methodology utilizes a collection of samples that exhibit varying thermal responses, facilitating the simultaneous examination of several circumstances. Also, emphasized the necessity of rigorously testing materials prior to their introduction into a reactor for safety purposes. “Swelling is a principal mechanism of material degradation in reactors; thus, the development of efficient testing methodologies is essential.”

Examining Corrosion Resistance in Molten Salt Reactors
Kenneth Cooper is investigating the interplay between irradiation and corrosion in metal alloys suitable for molten salt reactors. His project concentrates on two alloys: 316L stainless steel and Hastelloy X. Cooper devised an innovative configuration that reconciles the difficulties of irradiating metal in a corrosive saline environment.

“Evaluating the performance of metals under simultaneous corrosion and irradiation is essential for the advancement of materials for next-generation reactors,” Cooper elaborated.

Assessment of the High-Temperature Alloy HT9

Zhihan Hu's effort advances his investigation of HT9, a high-temperature alloy that exhibits resistance to swelling and may be appropriate for advanced reactors. Hu previously noted that irradiation induces the formation of carbide precipitates in HT9 at reduced temperatures. His recent research aims to validate the circumstances for the formation of these carbides and investigate their impact on the alloy's strength.

“This alloy demonstrates potential for reactor application; however, it is crucial to comprehend how its properties may alter following prolonged radiation exposure,” Hu stated.

Prospective Avenues in Reactor Materials Investigation

The Texas A&M RTE experiments are a crucial advancement in guaranteeing the safety and efficacy of components in forthcoming reactors. Their research integrates theoretical advancements with empirical experiments, yielding insights that may facilitate the development of more robust and efficient nuclear energy systems. As nuclear technology progresses, the endeavors of these researchers may serve as a cornerstone for constructing reactors that are safer and more efficient.

"I am proud of the innovative thinking from the students. I also applaud the NSUF program for supporting students as principal investigators. This brings additional benefits in training and education."

-Lin Shao

Visualized Image Istock: Виктор Скоробогатов

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