About this Abstract |
Meeting |
5th International Congress on 3D Materials Science (3DMS 2021)
|
Symposium
|
5th International Congress on 3D Materials Science (3DMS 2021)
|
Presentation Title |
Comprehensive 3D Microstructural Characterization of Nuclear Fuel |
Author(s) |
Casey S. McKinney, Assel Aitkaliyeva |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Casey S. McKinney |
Abstract Scope |
In this work, data sets gathered from focused ion beam (FIB) tomography with complementary electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) are used to reconstruct the 3D microstructure of irradiated oxide fuels. The incorporation of EBSD and EDS data sets allows for both microstructural and microchemical characterization, which is particularly important for nuclear fuels where harsh reactor environments (temperature, irradiation, pressure) cause microstructural changes. The large thermal gradients produce a non-uniform microstructure across the pellet radius where regions separated by a few millimeters can have grain sizes differing by a factor of 100. When an atom fissions, it splits into different atoms that agglomerate into new phases and precipitates. These fission products can have different properties compared to the fuel, which can alter fuel performance. Comprehensive 3D characterization provides insight into the evolution of these microstructural aspects that could ultimately compromise the safety of the reactor. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Other |