| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2020 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Accelerated Materials Evaluation for Nuclear Applications Utilizing Irradiation and Integrated Modeling
|
| Presentation Title |
Fabrication and Characterization of Massive Crack-free Delta Phase-zirconium Hydride for High-performance Moderator Application |
| Author(s) |
Xunxiang Hu, Wei Tang, Kurt A. Terrani |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Xunxiang Hu |
| Abstract Scope |
The successful implementation of ZrHx moderator in advanced reactors requires consistent and affordable production along with hydrogen retention throughout the reactor life. A fully programmable hydriding system with continuous hydrogen partial pressure and flow control to facilitate processing of massive delta-phase zirconium hydride has been developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Characterization of the produced ZrHx includes X-ray powder diffraction to identify the present phases, LECO H and O analysis to quantify hydrogen, and X-ray Computed Tomography to visualize the possible cracks. The results indicate that crack-free ZrH1.6±0.1 with >10 cm3 have been successfully produced. Maintaining constant hydrogen concentration in ZrHx throughout reactor life is necessary to ensure safe, economic, and reliable operation. A possible solution is to develop cladding materials that prevent hydrogen release at elevated temperatures. Thermal stability of the encapsulated ZrHx will also be assessed through characterizing the hydrogen concentration before and after heat treatments. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |