NSUF 24-4875: Innovations in Austenitic Manganese Steels for Nuclear Applications: Insights from In-Situ TEM Irradiation Experiments at the IVEM Facility

Austenitic stainless steels, enriched with Nickel, are prevalent in the nuclear sector due to their superior properties, including high corrosion resistance and low Ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT). However, they present challenges, notably radiation swelling and helium embrittlement at high radiation doses. This swelling can compromise the structural integrity of nuclear power plants, especially in the 300 series austenitic Stainless steels. Additionally, Nickel's significant neutron cross-section can lead to the production of 60Co, a radioactive isotope, necessitating a reduction in Nickel content to minimize gamma ray emissions. Given these challenges, there's a shift towards Chromium-Manganese (nickel-free) austenitic steels, which utilize Manganese as an austenite stabilizer. Preliminary studies suggest that these Manganese-steels can match the 300 series in mechanical performance and do not produce 60Co, making them a promising alternative for the nuclear industry. However, research on Fe-Cr-Mn steels under irradiation is limited. Initial findings indicate that Fe-Cr-Mn steels have lower swelling compared to Fe-Cr-Ni steels, attributed to their microstructural evolution under irradiation. Comprehensive understanding of radiation-induced changes is crucial to determine if Mn steel is suitable for current and future nuclear reactors. Ion irradiation offers a method to simulate neutron damage effects on materials. While it provides accelerated data, it can introduce secondary effects differing from neutron-exposed systems. However, with careful execution, ion irradiations can yield insights into irradiation-induced changes. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is pivotal for studying irradiation-induced voids. Traditional methods offer a post-radiation damage snapshot, but in-situ configurations, like the IVEM setup at Argonne National Laboratories, allow continuous observation. Advanced computer vision models will further enhance this by providing detailed frame-by-frame analysis of in-situ footage, enabling precise tracking of void evolution. In summary, this research evaluates the potential of Chromium-Manganese austenitic steels for nuclear applications. Through ion irradiation experiments and advanced microscopy techniques, the study aims to understand material behavior under irradiation, potentially paving the way for Mn steel's adoption in advanced nuclear reactor technologies.

추가 정보

필드	값
Award Announced Date	2024-02-02T12:34:08.54
Awarded Institution	Politecnico di Milano
Facility Tech Lead	Wei-Ying Chen
Irradiation Facility
PI	Carlo Mapelli
PI Email	[email protected]
Project Type	RTE
RTE Number	None