About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Ceramics and Ceramic-Based Composites for Nuclear Applications III
|
| Presentation Title |
Progression of SiGAŽ Cladding Technology To Support Nuclear Power Generation |
| Author(s) |
David Frazer, Sean Gonderman, Lucas Borowski, Rolf Haefelfinger, Mohammad Alavi, Andrew Giles, Christian Deck, Jack Gazza, Hesham Khalifa |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Sean Gonderman |
| Abstract Scope |
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is developing SiGAŽ technology, a silicon carbide (SiC) fiber reinforced SiC matrix ceramic matrix composite material, to provide additional safety and operational benefits for the existing and future reactor fleet. Recent progress has been made which shows SiGAŽ cladding maintains its mechanical properties and joint seal integrity following irradiations at both the ATR and the MITR. Data collected from these irradiations are being used to support an accelerated fuel qualification effort that combines critical test data with physics informed modeling to efficiently ready SiGAŽ cladding for commercial use. To prepare for initial commercial testing, GA-EMS has initiated production of full-scale, gas tight SiGAŽ rods. The full-length rods are meeting critical dimensional requirements while maintaining <5% mechanical performance variation over the cladding length. Data from the irradiation testing and scaling efforts will be presented, along with GA-EMS plans to initiate commercial lead rod testing by 2028. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Composites, High-Temperature Materials |