NEUP CINR-25-34370: Robust and scalable cladding surfaces to enhance boiling heat transfer performance in LWR conditions

We propose to develop a robust and scalable method to increase boiling heat transfer and critical heat flux by texturing nuclear fuel cladding material using laser ablation. An ultrashort pulse laser will be used to machine micro-features promoting higher evaporative heat transfer during boiling, and stronger wicking flow effectively delaying departure from nucleate boiling. The robustness of the microfeatures will be demonstrated in flow, temperature and pressure conditions typical of LWR.

Additional Info

Field	Value
Awarded Institution	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
PI	Matteo Bucci