NSUF 22-4442: Dislocation loop and bubble evolution in helium irradiated ThO2 and UO2 single crystals
The development of a quantitative relationship between radiation induced defects and thermal transport of oxide fuels has been rarely achieved. The technical objective of this RTE is to generate helium bubbles dominated microstructure in two model oxide fuels, ThO2 and UO2 single crystals using helium irradiation at high temperature at Texas A&M University. Then the quantification analysis of radiation induced helium bubbles including size and density will be performed using transmission electron microscope (TEM) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The TEM samples will be prepared using focused ion beam (FIB) system at INL. After this RTE, the thermal transport of irradiated ThO2 and UO2 crystals will be measured using modulated thermoreflectance technique either at The Ohio State University (OSU) and INL, and the quantitative relationship between helium bubbles and thermal conductivity in ThO2 and UO2 crystals will be established. Both OSU and INL facilities have a proven experience to handle these alpha particle emittor materials.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | The development of a quantitative relationship between radiation induced defects and thermal transport of oxide fuels has been rarely achieved. The technical objective of this RTE is to generate helium bubbles dominated microstructure in two model oxide fuels, ThO2 and UO2 single crystals using helium irradiation at high temperature at Texas A&M University. Then the quantification analysis of radiation induced helium bubbles including size and density will be performed using transmission electron microscope (TEM) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The TEM samples will be prepared using focused ion beam (FIB) system at INL. After this RTE, the thermal transport of irradiated ThO2 and UO2 crystals will be measured using modulated thermoreflectance technique either at The Ohio State University (OSU) and INL, and the quantitative relationship between helium bubbles and thermal conductivity in ThO2 and UO2 crystals will be established. Both OSU and INL facilities have a proven experience to handle these alpha particle emittor materials. |
| Award Announced Date | 2022-06-14T07:22:23.927 |
| Awarded Institution | None |
| Facility | None |
| Facility Tech Lead | Lin Shao, Yaqiao Wu |
| Irradiation Facility | Accelerator Laboratory |
| PI | Marat Khafizov |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | RTE |
| RTE Number | 4442 |