About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Ceramics and Ceramic-Based Composites for Nuclear Applications III
|
| Presentation Title |
The In Situ Mechanical Response of Surrogate TRISO Using Synchrotron Micro-Computed Tomography |
| Author(s) |
Harvey Ling, Edward G. Obbard, Jennifer H. Stansby, Joseph Bevitt, Benedicta D. Arhatari, Anil Prasad, James Buckley, Alfie Jones, Jeremy Archer |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Harvey Ling |
| Abstract Scope |
Tri-structurally isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuels are enabling technologies for next-generation reactors due to their high-temperature stability and irradiation tolerant pyrolytic carbon and SiC coatings. Limited mechanistic insight of fuel mechanical behaviour prevents predictive models in replicating failure modes observed in post-irradiation examinations. Improved understanding in this area can assist in accelerating TRISO fuel’s development and deployment for advanced reactors.
This study investigates the in situ compression response of surrogate ZrO₂-cored TRISO particles at the Australian Synchrotron’s Micro-Computed Tomography beamline. These particles were obtained from a spark-plasma-sintered compact, manufactured and deconsolidated at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Scans were acquired every 5N until failure. Aluminium jaws distributed loading to reduce size effect uncertainties when interpreting the ceramic layers’ behaviour. 3D reconstructions were cross-correlated with finite element models to validate the particles’ deformation behavior.
This integrated experimental–modelling approach offers mechanistic insight into TRISO mechanical behaviour, supporting its accelerated qualification for advanced reactors. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Mechanical Properties, Modeling and Simulation |