| Scope |
Materials in nuclear fission and fusion reactors are subjected to neutron irradiation, which induces a wide range of microstructural changes, from knock-on damage to transmutation reactions. While knock-on damage is well known to produce nanoscale defects such as black dots, dislocation loops, and voids, less is known about the effects of transmutation-induced gases produced from (n,α), (n,p) reactions or directly in the form of fission products. These gaseous products can form second(ary) phases with distinct compositions, significantly changing material properties.
The challenges posed by inert gas buildup are expected to intensify in next-generation reactors, which operate under harder spectra and higher neutron fluxes. The symposium will focus on materials fabricated using conventional means and explore the formation, behavior, and effects of inert gases in various non-fuel materials. Contributions on neutron or ion irradiation, novel gas characterization techniques, studies on property changes, and multiscale modelling of gas and microstructure evolution are encouraged. Contributions exploring fission gas behavior in nuclear fuels should be submitted to Accelerating Nuclear Fuels Research symposium.
Key topics of interest include:
• He buildup in fission and fusion structural materials
• Generation of He in solid nuclear fusion breeder materials
• Impact of gas buildup on material thermo-mechanical properties
• Modelling of formation and interactions of gas bubbles and impact on microstructure
• Evaluation of irradiation spectrum effects on gas buildup
• Material strategies to mitigate gas buildup
• Industry experience in inert gas buildup and impacts on long term operation/regulatory approval of advanced reactor systems |