NSUF 18-1257: Understand the Fission Products Behavior and Irradiation Effects in UCO Fuel Kernels of Irradiated AGR-1 and AGR-2 TRISO Fuel Particles Using Titan Themis 200 with ChemiSTEM Capability
TRISO-coated particle fuel is a center piece in developing the high temperature gas reactor, and the post-irradiation characterization is highly desired for improving the knowledge in understanding the fuel performance at normal and accident conditions and for providing qualification data and pathway in further improving the fuel fabrication process. In this proposal, it is planned to examine the TEM lamellae prepared from the UCO kernel of irradiated AGR-1 and AGR-2 fuel particles, particularly for comparing the irradiation responses of fuels fabricated using two different processes. Some of the prepared TEM lamellae would need to be re-thinned for better high resolution STEM images and diffraction patterns, and additional TEM specimens can be prepared for the polished fuel particle mounts if needed. We propose to use the state-of-the-art FEI Titan Themis 200 with ChemiSTEM capability at the IMCL for better understanding the fission products behavior, microstructural and phase evolutions in the irradiated fuel kernels. The study will combine the techniques of high resolution Z-contrast imaging, EDS spectral mapping with a super sensitivity and a fast speed, and selected area diffraction/micro-diffraction. The project PI is fully committed to meet the NSUF required research schedule and deliverable expectations.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | TRISO-coated particle fuel is a center piece in developing the high temperature gas reactor, and the post-irradiation characterization is highly desired for improving the knowledge in understanding the fuel performance at normal and accident conditions and for providing qualification data and pathway in further improving the fuel fabrication process. In this proposal, it is planned to examine the TEM lamellae prepared from the UCO kernel of irradiated AGR-1 and AGR-2 fuel particles, particularly for comparing the irradiation responses of fuels fabricated using two different processes. Some of the prepared TEM lamellae would need to be re-thinned for better high resolution STEM images and diffraction patterns, and additional TEM specimens can be prepared for the polished fuel particle mounts if needed. We propose to use the state-of-the-art FEI Titan Themis 200 with ChemiSTEM capability at the IMCL for better understanding the fission products behavior, microstructural and phase evolutions in the irradiated fuel kernels. The study will combine the techniques of high resolution Z-contrast imaging, EDS spectral mapping with a super sensitivity and a fast speed, and selected area diffraction/micro-diffraction. The project PI is fully committed to meet the NSUF required research schedule and deliverable expectations. |
| Award Announced Date | 2018-02-01T14:19:06.183 |
| Awarded Institution | None |
| Facility | None |
| Facility Tech Lead | Alina Zackrone |
| Irradiation Facility | None |
| PI | Yong Yang |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | RTE |
| RTE Number | 1257 |