| Scope |
In the last decade, a wealth of new analytical methods, in-situ experimental tools, and computer algorithms have emerged to drastically increase the speed and fidelity with which microstructure, and its dynamic evolution, can be characterized. This symposium solicits presentations that apply any of these advanced techniques to the study of materials structure, properties, and performance in radiation and other extreme environments, e.g., nuclear energy and space applications. These technique advancements have occurred in areas including microstructural characterization, thermophysical property measurement, in situ measurements, and small-scale mechanical property testing. There is a specific interest in techniques that directly impact materials research for environments exhibiting high radiation fields, extreme temperatures, and corrosive or chemically reactive environments. In addition to extremes present during routine operations, off-normal events or transients, such as the aggressive thermal oxidation and decomposition of plasma facing components during air ingress accidents, call for rapid material innovations at this defining moment of rehabilitation for nuclear energy systems. The unique data provided by these advanced characterization tools also provide a new bridge to enhance the framing, refining, and validation of predictive models.
Specific topics include, but are not limited to:
* Novel (destructive and non-destructive) techniques for characterization radiation damage
* Non-contact thermal and elastic measurement techniques
* Small scale mechanical property testing (SEM or TEM length scales)
* Advanced diffraction techniques (X-ray, electron, or neutron) coupled to extreme environments
* Direct observation of radiation-induced microstructural transformations in real time
* Methods for monitoring corrosive attack in non-aqueous coolant environments
* Innovative computer algorithms for high-throughput (in-situ) microscopy data analysis
* Studies of synergistic effects of these superimposed extreme environments relating to materials degradation
* Work enabling enhanced coupling of experimental results with predictive modeling and simulation |