About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2024 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
Symposium
|
Ceramics and Ceramic-based Composites for Nuclear Fission Applications
|
Presentation Title |
Radiation Effects in Ceramics for Immobilization of Actinide-containing Nuclear Waste |
Author(s) |
William J. Weber |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
William J. Weber |
Abstract Scope |
The principal source of radiation damage in ceramics for immobilization of actinide-containing nuclear waste is alpha-decay of the actinides, which occurs over geologic timescales due to the long half-lives of the actinides and their daughter products. Alpha-decay produces energetic alpha particles (4.5 to 5.5 MeV) and recoil nuclei (70 to 100 keV) that result in radiation damage and the accumulation of helium. The evolution of radiation damage due to alpha-decay has been studied using short-lived actinides; however, ion beam irradiations are more frequently employed to study radiation damage in relevant materials due to decreased costs, shorter irradiation timescales and the non-radioactive nature of the irradiated materials. Furthermore, ion irradiations can be performed over a wide range of irradiation conditions to understand radiation damage production and kinetics, helium accumulation and damage recovery processes. Radiation damage can result in phase transitions and helium accumulation can lead to the formation of helium bubbles. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Ceramics, Environmental Effects |