| Abstract Scope |
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) offers a compelling pathway for fabricating large-scale structural components for nuclear fission and fusion applications, leveraging near-net-shape capability, high deposition rates, and commercially available 316L stainless steel feedstock. However, the thermal cycling, directional solidification, and residual stress fields inherent to WAAM produce microstructures differing substantially from wrought counterparts, with irradiation performance implications that remain insufficiently understood.
This work investigates the irradiation response of WAAM-fabricated 316L SS by characterizing microstructural evolution, including grain morphology, phase stability, and defect cluster formation, before and after irradiation across varied process parameters. XRD, EBSD, and electron microscopy are employed alongside in-situ monitoring data to correlate process signatures with post-irradiation damage accumulation. Concurrently, a process optimization study identifies parameter sets yielding microstructures with refined grain size, controlled texture, and favorable dislocation substructure. These findings establish a framework for engineering radiation-tolerant austenitic stainless steel components via WAAM for advanced nuclear energy systems. |