| Abstract Scope |
The advancement of microreactor technology depends on structural materials that withstand extreme environments. Mobile microreactors face dynamic loading scenarios like rapid power transients, seismic events, and accidental impacts, necessitating an understanding of material behavior under various strain rates to ensure safety and longevity. This study evaluates the dynamic mechanical response of four structural alloys: commercially pure titanium (CPTi), 316H stainless steel, 304L stainless steel, and Nitronic-50, chosen for their relevance in nuclear applications. Research spans strain rates from quasistatic (1×10⁻³/s) to high-rate impact loading (7×10³/s) and includes elevated temperatures. A multi-faceted experimental approach will be used: tensile and compression tests for quasistatic properties, split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) and Taylor anvil impact experiments for high strain rates, and indentation plastometry to obtain true stress-strain curves. Techniques such as high-speed cameras, digital image correlation (DIC), and extensometers will track deformation, strain localization, and failure mechanisms. This high-resolution data will identify strain rate and temperature-dependent phenomena like thermal softening, adiabatic shear localization, and dynamic strain aging. The outcomes will provide insights into the impact resistance and deformation behavior of these materials, supporting safety analyses and informed decisions in designing structural components for next-generation nuclear systems. This research contributes to developing safer, more resilient, and high-performance microreactors for diverse environments. |