NSUF 24-4985: Three-dimensional imaging and quantification of neutron radiation induced porosity in U-10Zr fuels
Metallic fuels, in addition to offering a more excellent breeding ratio in fast neutron reactors, are candidates for use in fast spectrum reactors for their high thermal conductivity, fissile density, and improved economics compared to the traditional UO2 ceramic fuel cycle. Of these metallic fuels, U-10Zr has been extensively researched and tested in legacy test reactors such as the Experimental Breeder Reactor and the Fast Flux Test Facility. It is a strong fuel candidate for use in sodium fast reactors (SFRs). Despite its advantages to traditional fuel forms, concern regarding using U-10Zr in SFRs remains due to the potential for fuel-cladding chemical interaction (FCCI) between migrated lanthanides (Lns) and iron-based cladding. Neutron irradiation-induced defects such as porosities and cracks promote the migration of Lns to the fuel surface. Therefore, this research proposal aims to investigate neutron irradiation-induced defects and Lns migration in annular and solid U-10Zr fuel samples using three-dimensional full-field X-ray computed tomographic (XCT) microstructural imaging. Synchrotron-based XCT microstructural imaging with the phase contrast-enhanced tomography detection mode is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique that offers a high spatial resolution of the 3D microstructure and can be coupled with computational image segmentation techniques for quantifying porosity size distribution and morphology. This research will be completed in the nine months of the RTE award; first, sample lift-outs using a Focused Ion Beam of annular and solid U-10Zr will be completed at the Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory within the Materials and Fuel Complex facility at INL. The fuels were neutron-irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATF) through the Advanced Fuels Campaign program. This will be followed by transporting FIB samples to National Synchrotron Light Source-II at Brookhaven National Laboratory for full-field XCT measurements using the X-ray Powder Diffraction beamline. This will provide high-resolution tomographic images of 3D microstructure for mapping neutron irradiation-induced defects. In addition to providing greater insight into the effect of fuel geometry on porosity-assisted Lns migration and the FCCI in U-10Zr fuels, this research would further demonstrate the value of high-resolution 3D microstructural imaging techniques coupled with image segmentation for mapping and quantifying irradiation-induced defects in materials. Lastly, this research would provide further high-fidelity microstructural data for BISON/MARMOT to predict fuel burnup at high temperatures.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Award Announced Date | 2024-05-28T17:16:38 |
| Awarded Institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Facility Tech Lead | Alina Montrose, Simerjeet Gill |
| Irradiation Facility | |
| PI | Ericmoore Jossou |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | RTE |
| RTE Number | None |