Unravelling atomic-scale mechanisms influencing metal degradation in corrosion and irradiation environments
EMSL Project ID
50698
Abstract
A multitude of extreme and harsh conditions exist simultaneously within nuclear reactors, including irradiation, high temperatures, stress, and corrosive conditions that act together to degrade material performance. Reliable material performance is critical for the safe and economical operation of these reactor for several decades. Understanding and predicting the synergistic effects of all these variables on materials degradations is an immense scientific challenge. The objective of this proposal is to elucidate the atomic-scale mechanisms driving the evolution of materials during corrosion, irradiation, and the two phenomena in tandem. In particular, we will investigate how defect populations induced by irradiation impact the transport of original alloying elements and species generated by irradiation or corrosion through the microstructures (grain boundaries (GB), dislocations, precipitates) formed in the coupled extremes. Ex- situ irradiation and corrosion experiments will be conducted on model material systems. APT and STEM will be used to quantify elemental distributions in microstructural features generated by irradiation and corrosion. Additionally, we will develop isotopic tracer techniques with APT to monitor the transport pathways for species intentionally injected by ion irradiation or absorbed from the corrosion medium. The ultimate goal of this research program, extending beyond the time-frame of this proposal, is to develop a predictive understanding of how atomic transport to and in the material is impacted by these coupled extremes of irradiation, temperature, and stress in a corrosive environment. Fundamental understanding of the factors dictating material response and degradation pathways in the coupled extremes of irradiation and corrosion will in turn provide important insight for the design of corrosion and irradiation resistant materials for next generation nuclear energy systems.
Project Details
Start Date
2019-01-25
End Date
2019-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members