NSUF 20-4103: Identification of irradiation-induced phase evolution in Pu-Am-Zr fuels
Gaps in scientific understanding of the processes responsible for constituent redistribution in metal fuels limit our ability to model higher-level behaviors, including but not limited to design and safety analyses with high degree of confidence. The development of state-of-the-art fuel performance tool BISON, which provides a science-based approach to understanding and predicting fuel performance, is hindered by the lack of experimental data needed to validate its predictions. The proposed work will expand current understanding of constituent redistribution in metal fuels by providing detailed phase identification in Pu-Am-Zr fuels irradiated in both fast and thermal neutron spectrum reactors, thus allowing to determine if neutron flux impacts the phase evolution in these metal fuel systems. We will utilize our previous work on as-fabricated Pu-Am-Zr fuels and determine irradiation-induced phase segregation and evolution at the beginning of fuel life. The proposed work will allow us to identify the microstructural similarities and differences in fuels irradiated in fast and thermal neutron spectra, which is critical to determining the chemical effects that define the performance of these fuels.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Gaps in scientific understanding of the processes responsible for constituent redistribution in metal fuels limit our ability to model higher-level behaviors, including but not limited to design and safety analyses with high degree of confidence. The development of state-of-the-art fuel performance tool BISON, which provides a science-based approach to understanding and predicting fuel performance, is hindered by the lack of experimental data needed to validate its predictions. The proposed work will expand current understanding of constituent redistribution in metal fuels by providing detailed phase identification in Pu-Am-Zr fuels irradiated in both fast and thermal neutron spectrum reactors, thus allowing to determine if neutron flux impacts the phase evolution in these metal fuel systems. We will utilize our previous work on as-fabricated Pu-Am-Zr fuels and determine irradiation-induced phase segregation and evolution at the beginning of fuel life. The proposed work will allow us to identify the microstructural similarities and differences in fuels irradiated in fast and thermal neutron spectra, which is critical to determining the chemical effects that define the performance of these fuels. |
| Award Announced Date | 2020-07-14T14:05:10.36 |
| Awarded Institution | None |
| Facility | None |
| Facility Tech Lead | Alina Zackrone |
| Irradiation Facility | None |
| PI | Assel Aitkaliyeva |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | RTE |
| RTE Number | 4103 |