| Abstract Scope |
The MIDAS programme, supported by the UK EPSRC, is a collaborative effort led by the University of Manchester with core partners at Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, and the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. It focuses on the effects of irradiation damage on zirconium alloys, using neutron-irradiated samples from the NFIR programme. Research spans four key challenge areas: (KC1) evolution of irradiation damage, (KC2) deformation and micromechanics, (KC3) environmental degradation, and (KC4) failure mechanisms. Advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are employed to assess defect structures and validate atomistic simulations. High-resolution deformation studies reveal strain localisation (channelling) and its role in failure, informing multi-scale modelling. Corrosion behaviour of pre-irradiated samples is also under investigation. We will present recent progress across these areas, highlighting the integration of experimental and modelling approaches to improve material performance predictions in nuclear environments. |