About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Vacancy Engineering in Metals and Alloys
|
| Presentation Title |
Vacancy Evolution in Structural Alloys and High-Entropy Ceramics under Extreme Irradiation Conditions |
| Author(s) |
Bharat Gwalani |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Bharat Gwalani |
| Abstract Scope |
Understanding and controlling vacancy-type defects is critical for designing radiation-tolerant materials for advanced nuclear and space applications. In this study, we use positron annihilation spectroscopy to probe vacancy evolution in 316 stainless steel, Inconel 718, and high-entropy carbides after ion irradiation at doses ranging from 10 to 100 displacements per atom (dpa) and temperatures from 30 °C to 850 °C. Our results reveal distinct defect accumulation and recovery behaviors across these systems, highlighting the role of composition and bonding in defect mobility and stability. High-entropy carbides, in particular, demonstrate suppressed vacancy clustering at elevated temperatures, offering new insights into entropy-stabilized defect landscapes. These findings contribute to the broader effort of vacancy engineering for tuning microstructural resilience in extreme environments. The outcomes are directly relevant to next-generation nuclear reactors, aerospace propulsion systems, and fusion energy platforms where materials must maintain performance under prolonged irradiation and thermal stress. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, High-Temperature Materials, Phase Transformations |