About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Symposium
|
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Presentation Title |
Combined Dual-Ion Irradiation and Rate Theory Model: A Tool to Predict Reactor-Irradiated Cavity Microstructure |
| Author(s) |
Valentin Pauly, Gary S. Was |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Valentin Pauly |
| Abstract Scope |
Ferritic-martensitic (FM) steels are candidate materials for fuel cladding and structural components in next-generation nuclear reactors due to their swelling resistance. Yet, dimensional instability caused by the nucleation and growth of cavities remains a life-limiting factor in future reactor designs expected to reach 200 dpa. To quicken the qualification of nuclear materials at these damage levels across many irradiation conditions, predictive tools can be used and will accelerate the deployment of new reactors. Dual-ion irradiation offers the opportunity to reach high damage levels in short periods of time with precise control of the irradiation parameters, making it ideal for efficiently replicating neutron damage and calibrating computational models. The cavity microstructures of FM T91 heat 30176 irradiated in two reactors (BOR-60 and the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF)) up to 170 dpa were characterized and successfully emulated using dual-ion irradiation (9MeV Fe3+ and 3.42MeV He2+) with a temperature shift and increased helium injection rate. In parallel, a rate theory model including helium partitioning and cavity interstitial bias was developed to predict the evolution of cavity microstructures from irradiation parameters. The results of the dual-ion irradiations were used to calibrate this model which was validated against results from reactor irradiations. The accuracy of the reported reactor parameters and the validity of the model to correctly predict commercial reactor microstructure evolution is discussed. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |