NSUF 20-4217: Understand the Fission Products Behavior and Irradiation Effects in UCO Fuel Kernels of Irradiated AGR-1 and AGR-2 TRISO Fuel Particles by Using Atom Probe Tomography

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. Providing 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 characterize the irradiated AGR-1 and AGR-2 fuel kernels by using Atom Probe Tomography (ATP). The proposed APT work is aimed to complement our previously acquired knowledge using the FEI Titan with ChemiSTEM, particularly for quantifying the light element diffusion and segregation. More specifically, the APT tips will be prepared onto the sharpened tungsten wires of the half TEM grid (100 mesh), and this will allow for both TEM characterization and APT data acquisition. This approach was not attempted or achieved previously and will provide a better understanding by direct correlation between the fuel performance and the fabrication process. 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. Providing 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 characterize the irradiated AGR-1 and AGR-2 fuel kernels by using Atom Probe Tomography (ATP). The proposed APT work is aimed to complement our previously acquired knowledge using the FEI Titan with ChemiSTEM, particularly for quantifying the light element diffusion and segregation. More specifically, the APT tips will be prepared onto the sharpened tungsten wires of the half TEM grid (100 mesh), and this will allow for both TEM characterization and APT data acquisition. This approach was not attempted or achieved previously and will provide a better understanding by direct correlation between the fuel performance and the fabrication process. The project PI is fully committed to meet the NSUF required research schedule and deliverable expectations.
Award Announced Date	2020-07-14T14:17:38.613
Awarded Institution	None
Facility	None
Facility Tech Lead	Yaqiao Wu
Irradiation Facility	None
PI	Zhenyu Fu
PI Email	[email protected]
Project Type	RTE
RTE Number	4217