NSUF 18-1234: In situ Ion Irradiation of a SiC composite using a MEMS-based Heating Holder

SiC composites have been a recent focus for nuclear materials research due to their potential use as accident tolerant fuel (ATF) claddings. Its high melting/decomposition temperature and less hydrogen production in a steam environment makes it a good candidate to enhance the safety of present and future generations of nuclear reactors and spent fuel pools. Recent experiments have been conducted ex situ outside the reaction tube followed by post-mortem analysis. We are more interested in carrying out an in situ study of the structural change of SiC material during the rapid heating or thermal shocks up to 1100 oC. This is fundamental research which would bring insights to optimize the material design and processing of the SiC composites. Here we propose to use the state-of-the-art microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based heating holder which provides rapid heating rates (> 3000 oC/s), in combination with in situ ion irradiation to simulate a reactor’s accident condition.

Additional Info

Field	Value
Abstract	SiC composites have been a recent focus for nuclear materials research due to their potential use as accident tolerant fuel (ATF) claddings. Its high melting/decomposition temperature and less hydrogen production in a steam environment makes it a good candidate to enhance the safety of present and future generations of nuclear reactors and spent fuel pools. Recent experiments have been conducted ex situ outside the reaction tube followed by post-mortem analysis. We are more interested in carrying out an in situ study of the structural change of SiC material during the rapid heating or thermal shocks up to 1100 oC. This is fundamental research which would bring insights to optimize the material design and processing of the SiC composites. Here we propose to use the state-of-the-art microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based heating holder which provides rapid heating rates (> 3000 oC/s), in combination with in situ ion irradiation to simulate a reactor’s accident condition.
Award Announced Date	2018-02-01T14:16:50.993
Awarded Institution	None
Facility	None
Facility Tech Lead	Wei-Ying Chen
Irradiation Facility	None
PI	Tom Zega
PI Email	[email protected]
Project Type	RTE
RTE Number	1234