About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Accelerated Qualification Methods for Nuclear Reactor Structural Materials
|
| Presentation Title |
Material-based Time-at-Temperature (t@T) Criterion to Support Licensing Strategies Post-Critical Heat Flux |
| Author(s) |
Samuel Bell, Nathan Capps, Caleb Massey, Mackenzie Ridley |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Samuel Bell |
| Abstract Scope |
To stay competitive, the existing nuclear reactor fleet must enhance safety and economic efficiency by better understanding core materials under limiting operational scenarios. Transient temperature spikes, particularly anticipated operational occurrences (AOOs), can cause rapid increases in temperature (seconds) and lead to peak cladding temperatures between 350–750°C. Current regulatory limits on AOO temperature excursions aim to prevent boiling transitions, however, this criterion restricts core design and fuel cycle efficiency. To enhance operational efficiency, a shift from a strictly thermal-hydraulic criteria to material-specific cladding integrity, focusing on "time-at-temperature" (t@T), is needed. Recent studies, including out of pile engineering level investigations coupled with in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments, link the effect of rapid temperature excursions to microstructural evolution and resulting mechanical properties of zirconium alloy fuel cladding. This research provides a foundation that leverages both in-situ and ex-situ testing to effectively and rapidly inform t@T licensing strategies for commercial reactors. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Mechanical Properties, Environmental Effects |