About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Local Chemical Ordering and Its Impact on Mechanical Behaviors, Radiation Damage, and Corrosion
|
| Presentation Title |
The Impact of Al on α' Precipitation in FeCrAl Alloys Under Thermal Aging and Irradiation |
| Author(s) |
Yongfeng Zhang, Daozheng Li, Marcia Myung Hye Ahn, Yuhan Li, Ziang Yu, Andrew Hoffman, Kevin Field , Wei Xiong |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Yongfeng Zhang |
| Abstract Scope |
FeCrAl alloys are promising candidates for nuclear reactor fuel cladding due to their exceptional oxidation resistance. However, a key obstacle to their widespread use is the formation of embrittling Cr-rich (α') precipitates, which is not yet fully understood. In particular, the complex chemical environment in such concentrated alloys makes it challenging to fully discern defect thermodynamics and kinetics. By combining atomistic simulations, aging and irradiation tests, and advanced characterization techniques, we reveal the complex chemical interactions between alloying elements and point defects and their impact on α' precipitation during thermal aging and irradiation. While Al lowers the Fe-Cr miscibility gap at thermal equilibrium, its strong affinity for vacancies significantly increases thermal vacancy concentrations, accelerating α' precipitation kinetics under thermal aging at 400-500°C. Furthermore, atomistic calculations suggest that Al attracts vacancies and disfavors dumbbell interstitials, influencing defect evolution, chemical segregation, and phase separation in FeCrAl alloys under irradiation. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Modeling and Simulation, Nuclear Materials, Phase Transformations |