| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T22: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Advanced Characterization of Materials for Nuclear, Radiation, and Extreme Environments III
|
| Presentation Title |
Hydrogen Dynamics in Yttrium Hydride Moderator Material |
| Author(s) |
James Torres, Alexander Long, Dale Travis Carver, Sven Vogel, Aditya Shivprasad, Tyler Smith, Caitlin Taylor, Erik Luther, Holly Trellue |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
James Torres |
| Abstract Scope |
A compact, nuclear microreactor that utilizes low-enriched uranium fuel is a promising solution to meet US energy demands for remote (e.g., space) and highly dense population areas. Yttrium hydride (YH) is the candidate moderator material for the microreactor design, chosen based on its superior retention of hydrogen at high temperatures. To date, there is a dearth of knowledge on hydrogen diffusion properties in YH. Hydrogen-mapping capabilities via neutron imaging are currently under development at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) with the goal to characterize hydrogen diffusion in YH samples as a function of stoichiometry, temperature, and phase fraction at both ambient and extreme environments (temperature gradients). Herein, we share our recent progress in technique development and include initial results from concentration- and temperature-gradient measurements from LANSCE. Additional measurements planned for Q4 of FY22 may also be discussed. |