NSUF 25-5332: Neutron Irradiation Damage and Transmutation Products in Diffusion-Bonded 316L SS/B4C
Shielding mass remains one of the most critical constraints in nuclear thermal propulsion system design, driving demand for materials that are both lightweight and capable of withstanding high temperatures, neutron flux, and hydrogen corrosion, thereby necessitating advanced material solutions1. Diffusion-bonded joints of 316L stainless steel with boron carbide offer significant promise for multilayer shielding applications, given their potential for optimized structural integrity and radiation shielding properties. However, the underlying microstructural properties of this material system and bonding scheme under irradiation remain insufficiently explored. This proposal is aimed at using the advanced characterization facilities at The Ohio State University’s Center for Electron Microscopy Analysis, the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization, and the irradiated sample preparation facilities of The Ohio State University’s Nuclear Reactor Laboratory to develop the understanding and nuances of grain boundary migration and shielding capabilities of the material system.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Awarded Institution | The Ohio State University |
| DOI | 10.46936/NSUF/60015366 |
| Embargo End Date | 2027-09-03 |
| Facility Tech Lead | Raymond Cao |
| Irradiation Facilities | Ohio State University Research Reactor |
| NSUF Call | FY 2025 RTE 2nd Call |
| PI | Calvin Chandler |
| PIE Facilities | Ohio State University Research Reactor |
| Project Member | Dr. Kevin Field, Associate Professor - University of Michigan (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3105-076X) |
| Project Member | Mr. Calvin Chandler, Graduate Student and Research Associate - The Ohio State University (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2939-1645) |
| Project Member | Mr. Timothy DeFranco, Graduate Researcher, P.h.D. Student - University of Michigan |
| Project Type | RTE |