About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Symposium
|
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Presentation Title |
Exploring the Impact of Relative Humidity on Pit Morphology and SCC Crack Growth in SS304H Used for Nuclear Waste Storage Canisters |
| Author(s) |
Daria M. Bentley, Timothy Burnett, Jenifer Locke |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Daria M. Bentley |
| Abstract Scope |
Dry cask stainless steel nuclear waste storage canisters are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) when salts deliquesce onto the surface. The soluble type and concentration of salts varies with relative humidity (RH) causing pits with unique morphological features to develop. Under low RH conditions, pits with emanating cracks without an externally applied stress are common whereas relatively hemispherical pits develop at high RH. This work aims to identify features for a range of morphologies that act to nucleate SCC preferentially. Characterization techniques such as SEM and micro/nano-XCT were utilized to determine aspect ratios and dominant features among certain RH conditions. EBSD analysis will also be provided to determine the role of sub-surface residual stresses on crack formation. Crack growth data will be presented to quantify crack growth rates in equilibrium-RH brines post-initiation. All data will be integrated into a machine learning model under development by Idaho National Laboratory aimed at predicting the probability of distinct morphologies transitioning into sustained propagating cracks to mitigate premature failure. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |