NSUF 19-1779: Understand the atomic positions of the metallic fission product in UCO Fuel Kernels and Determine the exact stoichiometry of UC, UO phase of Irradiated TRISO Fuel Particles by Using Titan Themis 200 with EELS characterization Capability
TRISO fuel is considered for multiple applications including high temperature gas reactors, small modular reactors and accident tolerant fuel for Light water reactors. The post-irradiation characterization is highly desired for improving the knowledge in understanding the fuel performance at normal and accident conditions. Providing a qualification data and a pathway for further improvement of the fuel fabrication process for new generation advanced gas reactors, are additional key objectives. In this proposal, we plan to determine the stoichiometry of UC, UO phase in irradiated AGR-1 and AGR-2 fuel kernels by using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and understand the atomic positions of metallic fission product precipitates by using atomic resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy. The proposed EELS work and STEM work are aimed to complement our previously acquired knowledge using the Titan Themis 200 or Talos F200X with ChemiSTEM, particularly for extensively quantifying the oxygen and carbon elements and determine the atomistic structures of previously identified intermetallic fission products. The anticipated project outcomes will significantly improve our knowledges in the fuels’ microstructural and elemental evolutions upon different fuel fabrication variants. The project PI is fully committed to meet the NSUF required research schedule and deliverable expectations.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | TRISO fuel is considered for multiple applications including high temperature gas reactors, small modular reactors and accident tolerant fuel for Light water reactors. The post-irradiation characterization is highly desired for improving the knowledge in understanding the fuel performance at normal and accident conditions. Providing a qualification data and a pathway for further improvement of the fuel fabrication process for new generation advanced gas reactors, are additional key objectives. In this proposal, we plan to determine the stoichiometry of UC, UO phase in irradiated AGR-1 and AGR-2 fuel kernels by using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and understand the atomic positions of metallic fission product precipitates by using atomic resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy. The proposed EELS work and STEM work are aimed to complement our previously acquired knowledge using the Titan Themis 200 or Talos F200X with ChemiSTEM, particularly for extensively quantifying the oxygen and carbon elements and determine the atomistic structures of previously identified intermetallic fission products. The anticipated project outcomes will significantly improve our knowledges in the fuels’ microstructural and elemental evolutions upon different fuel fabrication variants. The project PI is fully committed to meet the NSUF required research schedule and deliverable expectations. |
| Award Announced Date | 2019-05-14T16:42:30.973 |
| Awarded Institution | Illinois Institute of Technology |
| Facility | Materials Research Collaborative Access Team (MRCAT) |
| Facility Tech Lead | Alina Zackrone, Jeff Terry |
| Irradiation Facility | None |
| PI | Zhenyu Fu |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | RTE |
| RTE Number | 1779 |