Resolving the structural and chemical evolution in materials exposed to extreme environments at the nano-scale
EMSL Project ID
51178
Abstract
The objective of this work is to elucidate atomic- to nano-scale mechanisms driving the evolution of materials in extreme environments, relevant to energy applications. Current understanding of the synergistic effects of variables such as high temperature, stress, corrosion, and irradiation on the degradation of materials in these environments is incomplete. In this work we will investigate three main phenomena: 1) mass transport and trapping mechanisms driving material performance during corrosion, irradiation, and thermal annealing using isotopic tracers; 2) ion irradiation effects on reactor and breeder materials; 3) selective oxidation on Fe- and Ni-binary alloys to inform mechanisms of stress corrosion cracking. The evolution of a material’s structural and chemical behavior at the atomic- to nano-scale will be probed using advanced characterization techniques including atom probe tomography (APT) and scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM), in turn enabling us to determine factors dictating material response and degradation pathways under extremes conditions. Furthermore, the results from this research will provide essential insight for the design of resilient materials, necessary for the safe and economic operation of current and advanced energy systems.
Project Details
Start Date
2019-11-01
End Date
2020-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
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