NSUF 25-5476: Evaluation of Microstructural Integrity of ATR-Irradiated Yttrium Hydride (YHₓ)
This project aims to evaluate the microstructural integrity of ATR(Advanced Test Reactor)-irradiated yttrium hydride (YHx), a material of interest for neutron moderation, reflection, and hydrogen storage in advanced nuclear systems. We will investigate the hypothesis that ATR irradiation induces defects and microstructural changes, including dislocation loop formation, helium and vacancy bubble nucleation, radiation-induced segregation, recrystallization, and modifications to grain boundary character. To achieve these objectives, we will employ high-resolution techniques such as SEM-EDS, EBSD, and TEM. SEM-EDS will provide compositional maps and identify secondary phases, while EBSD will generate orientation maps to assess grain size, texture, and recrystallization. TEM will quantify dislocation loop densities, void volume fractions, and helium bubble distributions. Specimens, both irradiated and unirradiated, will be prepared using mechanical polishing and focused-ion-bean lift-out-methods. The potential impact of this research includes significant advancements in the understanding of the irradiation response of yttrium hydride. The study will yield high-resolution datasets capturing the microstructural and chemical evolution of YHx, offering critical insights for both fundamental research and practical engineering applications in nuclear environments. These datasets will provide essential input for multiscale models and guide the development of radiation-tolerant hydride materials. The expected period of performance is 12 months from the project award date. Anticipated scientific outcomes include detailed data on defect accumulation, grain boundary evolution, and crystallographic changes in YHx under ATR irradiation. The results will support the validation and calibration of predictive models such as phase-field and crystal plasticity simulations. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and contributions to NSUF and IAEA databases, thereby enhancing the broader scientific understanding of radiation effects on hydride materials.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Awarded Institution | Idaho National Laboratory |
| DOI | 10.46936/NSUF/60015708 |
| Embargo End Date | 2028-01-22 |
| Facility Tech Lead | Noé Morales |
| NSUF Call | FY 2025 Super RTE Call |
| PI | Ella Kartika Pek |
| PIE Facilities | Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory |
| Prep Facilities | Analytical Laboratory, Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory |
| Project Member | Dr. Fei Teng, Staff Scientist - Idaho National Laboratory (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3832-9138) |
| Project Member | Dr. Tsvetoslav Pavlov, Distinguished Postdoctoral Associate - Idaho National Laboratory |
| Project Member | Dr. Sobhan Patnaik, Staff Researcher - Idaho National Laboratory (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2113-828X) |
| Project Member | Dr. Ella Kartika Pek, Postdoctoral Research Associate - Idaho National Laboratory (https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2553-2511) |
| Project Type | RTE |
| Sample Identifiers | 13779,13801,13805 |