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Photoelastic sphenoscopic analysis of crystals

Birefringent crystals are at the basis of various devices used in many fields, from high energy physics to biomedical imaging for cancer detection. Since crystals are the main elements of those devices, a great attention is paid on their quality and properties. Here, we present a methodology for the photoelastic analysis of birefringent crystals, based on a modified polariscope. Polariscopes using conoscopic observation are used to evaluate crystals residual stresses in a precise but time consuming way; in our methodology, the light beam shape, which impinges on the crystal surface, has been changed from a solid cone (conoscopy) to a wedge (sphenoscopy). Since the polarized and coherent light is focused on a line rather than on a spot, this allows a faster analysis which leads to the observation, at a glance, of a spatial distribution of stress along a line. Three samples of lead tungstate crystals have been observed using this technique, and the obtained results are compared with the conoscopic observation. The samples have been tested both in unloaded condition and in a loaded configuration induced by means of a four points bending device, which allows to induce a known stress distribution in the crystal. The obtained results confirm, in a reliable manner, the sensitivity of the methodology to the crystal structure and stress.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Magnetically Ordered Electrolytic Coatings in Hydraulic Systems

The application of wear-resistant coatings in the presence of a magnetic field is proposed for components of hydraulic systems. A method is developed for controlling the residual stress and mechanical properties by means of crystallographic anisotropy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Surface Layers of Zr-18%Nb Alloy Modified by Ultrasonic Impact Treatment: Microstructure, Hardness and Corrosion

Near-surface layers in Zr-18%Nb alloy were modified using ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT). The effects of the UIT processing time on a microstructural formation, omega/alpha precipitations, microhardness and corrosion are analyzed. XRD analysis, TEM and SEM observations and EDX characterization allow establishing the links between the microstructure, microhardness and corrosion behavior of the surface layers formed. At the strain extent up to e ≈ 0.3, structural formation occurs under influence of deformation induced heating, which facilitates omega precipitation in beta phase and mechanically induced oxygen transport and oxide formation. XRD analysis reveals moderate compressive residual stresses (− 160 MPa) and pronounced {110} texture after the UIT process. Generation of dislocations and hindering of their movement by nanoscale omega precipitates manifest themselves as the broadening of diffraction peaks occurred mainly owing to the lattice microstrains, and they provide marked strain hardening. The enhanced anticorrosion properties of Zr-18%Nb alloy in saline solution were concluded to be a result of the formation of a protective oxide film, {110} texture and compressive stresses.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of a Large Population of Seeded Alumina Inclusions on Crack Initiation and Small Crack Fatigue Crack Growth in Udimet 720 Nickel-Base Disk Superalloy

Crack initiation, crack coalescence and small crack growth behavior were monitored for over 400 seeded inclusions during interrupted low cycle fatigue testing conducted on the P/M Udimet 720 nickel disk alloy at 650°C. Two types of seeded alumina inclusions with average sizes of 54 μm and 122 μm were used in the study performed at varying loading conditions resulting in LCF lives ranging from 2,000 cycles to over 1,000,000 cycles. The fatigue behavior was sub-categorized into four groups. Visual maps detailing inclusion size/cycle history were developed. The effect of surface residual stresses on the fatigue life was also investigated.

Superalloys↗

Fatigue Crack Growth in Peened Friction Stir Welds

Friction stir welding induces residual stresses that accelerates fatigue crack growth in the weld nugget. Shot peening over the weld had little effect on growth rate. Laser peening over the weld retarded the growth rate: Final crack growth rate was comparable to the base, un-welded material. Crack tunneling evident from residual compressive stresses. 2195-T8 fracture surfaces were highly textured. Texturing makes comparisons difficult as the material system is affecting the data as much as the processing. Material usage becoming more common in space applications requiring additional work to develop useful datasets for damage tolerance analyses.

Forth, Scott C.↗

Graphene addition to MgB{sub 2} superconductor obtained by ex-situ spark plasma sintering technique

Highlights: • Graphene-added dense MgB{sub 2} was prepared by ex-situ spark plasma sintering. • There is a limited interaction between graphene and MgB{sub 2}. • Addition of graphene (G) shows a small enhancement of J{sub c} and μ{sub 0}H{sub irr}. • G is one of the least effective C-containing additions. - Abstract: Graphene nanopowder (G) with average thickness particle size of about 6–8 nm was added to MgB{sub 2} commercial powder. Starting composition was (MgB{sub 2}){sub (1−x)}(G){sub x}, x = 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05. Processing was performed by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique. All added samples have high density (above 95%). The critical temperature (T{sub c}) and the lattice parameter a (c-axis lattice parameter is constant) show a small variation suggesting that carbon substitution for boron is low. TEM observations show the presence of un-reacted graphene plates supporting the T{sub c} and structural results. It also indicates that G-addition does not modify the MgB{sub 2} microstructure. Despite this, there is an optimum doped sample (MgB{sub 2}){sub 0.9875}(G){sub 0.0125} for which the critical current density at temperatures below 25 K is slightly higher at high magnetic fields than for the pristine sample. The addition of G is found as one of the least effective C-source additions enhancing J{sub c}. We discuss results as being strongly related to variation of the residual stress.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Gradient changes in structural condition of the B2 phase of NiTi surface layers after electron-beam treatments

Structural conditions of the B2 phase of the Ti{sub 49.5}Ni{sub 50.5} alloy surface layers before and after electron-beam treatments (pulse duration τ = 150 μs, number of pulses n = 5, beam energy density E ≤ 20 J/cm{sup 2}) were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Analysis of the X-ray patterns demonstrates that surface layers modified by electron beam treatment contain phase with B2{sup surf} structure. It is revealed that the lattice parameter of the B2{sup surf} phase in the surface (modified) layer is also higher than the lattice parameter of the B2 phase in the underlying layer (a{sub B2} = 3.0159±0.0005). The values of lattice parameter of phase B2{sup surf} amounted a{sub B2}{sup surf} = 3.0316±0.0005 Å and a{sub B2}{sup surf} = 3.0252±0.0005 Å, for the specimens after electron-beam treatment at E{sub 1} = 15 J/cm{sup 2} and E{sub 2} = 20 J/cm{sup 2}, respectively. Inflated lattice parameters a{sub B2}{sup surf} are associated with changes in the chemical composition and the presence of residual stresses in the surface region of the samples after electron-beam treatments.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Improved damage tolerance of SiC-based nuclear fuel cladding with novel multi-layered SiC coating design at 1200 °C

Continuous SiC fibre reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiC f -SiC m ) with monolithic SiC outer coatings are considered as a damage-tolerant cladding design for loss of coolant accident (LOCA) conditions in light water reactors. However, monolithic SiC coatings are brittle and prone to catastrophic failure. In this study, a SiC f -SiC m cladding with a novel multi-layer SiC outer coating (11 sub-layers, ∼260 µm in total thickness) was investigated under C-ring compression at room temperature and 1200 °C in argon environment. Real-time synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was employed to capture crack initiation and propagation processes. Compared to conventional monolithic SiC outer coatings, the multi-layer coating structure facilitated crack deflection and bifurcation enhancing its damage tolerance at both temperatures. Despite pre-existing surface cracks, claddings exhibited stable mechanical-performance at both temperatures. These initial cracks did not critically affect the failure processes as they were not aligned with the maximum stress direction. Furthermore, the microstructure, distribution of residual stresses, and local properties of individual components in the material were thoroughly characterized, and compared with open literature on conventional claddings with monolithic outer coatings. These results provide new insights into the failure mechanisms of multi-layer SiC coatings and offer guidance for the future design of accident-tolerant nuclear fuel claddings.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ion heat and parallel momentum transport by stochastic magnetic fields and turbulence

In this work, the theory of turbulent transport of parallel momentum and ion heat by the interaction of stochastic magnetic fields and turbulence is presented. Attention is focused on determining the kinetic stress and the compressive energy flux. A critical parameter is identified as the ratio of the turbulent scattering rate to the rate of parallel acoustic dispersion. For the parameter large, the kinetic stress takes the form of a viscous stress. For the parameter small, the quasilinear residual stress is recovered. In practice, the viscous stress is the relevant form, and the quasilinear limit is not observable. This is the principal prediction of this paper. A simple physical picture is developed and shown to recover the results of the detailed analysis.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Historical Review of Stress Corrosion Cracking in Concentrated Uranium-Molybdenum Alloys

This report presents a historical overview of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in uranium-molybdenum alloys, focusing primarily on U-10 wt. pct. Mo (U-10Mo). This alloy has been chosen as the high density uranium monolithic fuel for converting research reactors from high enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel for its combination of fuel density and gamma phase stability. One disadvantage of U-10Mo is its propensity towards stress corrosion cracking (SCC), driven by high residual stresses resulting from its high yield strength. This report contains a metallurgical overview of U-10Mo alloys incorporating processing, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties. This report also summarizes SCC literature including contributing factors, initiation and propagation, the mechanism responsible for U-10Mo SCC, and possible solutions to the problem. A brief synopsis of interviews with key personnel from several Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and BWX Technologies (BWXT) is also included. Recommendations for future studies are outlined.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Comparison of Stress Relief Procedures for Cryogenic Aluminum Mirrors

The Infrared Multi-Object Spectrograph (IRMOS) is a facility instrument for the Kitt Peak National Observatory Mayall Telescope (3.8 meter) and an engineering prototype for a potential design for the Next Generation Space Telescope/Multi-Object Spectrograph. IRMOS is a low-to mid-resolution (R = lambda/delta-lambda = 300-3800), near-IR (0.8-2.5 micron) spectrograph which produces simultaneous spectra of approximately 100 objects in its 2.8 x 2.0 arcmin field of view using a commercial MEMS multimirror array device. The instrument operating temperature is 80 K and the design is athermal --- the optical bench and mirrors are machined from aluminum 6061-T651. In spite of its baseline mechanical stress relief, aluminum 6061-T651 harbors some residual stress, which, unless relieved during fabrication, may relieve and distort mirror figure to unacceptable levels at the operating temperature. Other cryogenic instruments using aluminum mirrors for both ground-based and space IR astronomy have employed a variety of heat treatment formulae, with mixed results. We present the results of a test program designed to empirically determine the best stress relief procedure for the IRMOS mirrors. Identical test mirrors with spherical and flat optical prescriptions are processed with five different heat treatment formulae from the literature and compared to samples with out any additional processing. After figuring via diamond turning, the mirrors are tested for figure error and radius of curvature at room temperature and at 80 K for several thermal cycles. The heat treatment procedure for the mirrors that yielded the least and most repeatable change in figure error and radius is applied to the IRMOS mirror blanks. We correlate the results of our optical testing with heat treatment and metallographic data.

Ohl, Raymond G.↗

Effects of Forged Stock and Pure Aluminum Coating on Cryogenic Performance of Heat Treated Aluminum Mirrors

In spite of its baseline mechanical stress relief, aluminum 6061-T651 harbors some residual stress that may relieve and distort mirror figure to unacceptable levels at cryogenic operating temperatures unless relieved during fabrication. Cryogenic instruments using aluminum mirrors for both ground-based and space IR astronomy have employed a variety of heat treatment formulae, with mixed results. We present the results of an on-going test program designed to empirically determine the effects of different stress relief procedures for aluminum mirrors. Earlier test results identified a preferred heat treatment for flat and spherical mirrors diamond turned from blanks cut out of Al6061-T651 plate stock. Further tests have been performed on mirrors from forged stock and one set from plate stock coated with Alumiplate(TM) aluminum coating to measure the effect of these variables on cryogenic performance. The mirrors are tested for figure error and radius of curvature at room temperature and at 80 K for three thermal cycles. We correlate the results of our optical testing with heat treatment and metallographic data.

Toland, Ronald↗

Growth and characterization of α and β-phase tungsten films on various substrates

The growth conditions of tungsten thin films were investigated using various substrates including Si, Si/SiO{sub 2}, GaAs, MgO, and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and recipes were discovered for the optimal growth conditions of thick metastable β-phase tungsten films on Si, GaAs, and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} substrates, which is an important material in spin orbit torque studies. For the Si/SiO{sub 2} substrate, the crystal phase of the tungsten films was different depending upon the tungsten film thickness, and the transport properties were found to dramatically change with the thickness owing to a change in phase from the α + β phase to the α-phase. It is shown that the crystal phase changes are associated with residual stress in the tungsten films and that the resistivity is closely related to the grain sizes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Change in the Character of Biaxial Stresses with an Increase in x from 0 to 0.7 in Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1–} {sub x}N:Si Layers Obtained by Ammonia Molecular Beam Epitaxy

The deformation mode and defect structure of Al{sub x}Ga{sub 1–} {sub x}N:Si epitaxial layers (x = 0–0.7) grown by molecular beam epitaxy and doped with Si under a constant silane flux are studied by X-ray diffractometry. The concentration of Si atoms in the layers measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry is (4.0–8.0) × 10{sup 19} cm{sup –3}. It is found that the lateral residual stresses are compressive at x < 0.4 and become tensile at x > 0.4. The stresses after the end of growth are estimated and the contribution to the deformation mode of the layers of both the coalescence of nuclei of the growing layer and misfit stresses in the layer–buffer system are discussed. It is found that the density of vertical screw and edge dislocations are maximal at x = 0.7 and equal to 1.5 × 10{sup 10} and 8.2 × 10{sup 10} cm{sup –2}, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Phenomenological model of sintering of oxide nuclear fuel with doping admixtures

It is shown that a change in the linear dimension of compacted UO{sub 2} in the sintering process is associated with its plastic yielding under the action of the forces of residual stress and capillary forces. From the curves of sintering of a fuel with doping admixtures in various gaseous media, its rate of creep is reduced.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Imaging Based Detector with Efficient Scintillators for Neutron Diffraction Measurements

The Anger Camera developed by the detector group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory was utilized for the present work for its unique advantage of employing multiple modules to obtain large active measurement area for detecting diffracted/scattered thermal neutrons. Considering the relatively small flux associated with diffracted/scattered neutrons, suitable efficiency with high spatial resolution is a requirement for utilizing two-dimensional imaging detectors. The potential to implement pulse shape (in addition to pulse height) discrimination-based scintillators further enhances the ability to detect diffracted neutrons with improved signal to noise ratio. In this paper, initial results associated with 6Li glass-based scintillator will be presented. The authors explored the feasibility of using this system to detect and quantify diffraction peaks and peak shifts at the Neutron Residual Stress Facility (NRSF2), High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Suitable camera mounting and shielding had to be developed. Reference measurements using polycrystalline powders with known atomic planar spacing will be discussed along with measurement settings associated with expected resolution for peak shift measurements. Initial results are promising and demonstrate that a suitable scintillation-based neutron detecting system is viable for residual stress-based diffraction measurements. Small area detectors are also feasible with suitable consideration to scattering volume and distance to detector.

Seals, Matthew↗

Effect of laser scanning speed on the microstructure, phase transformation and mechanical property of NiTi alloys fabricated by $\mathrm{LPBF}$

This study investigated the effects of laser scanning speed on the microstructure, phase transformation and properties of NiTi alloys fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). In this study, the contributions of metallurgical factors under different scanning speeds, such as Ni evaporation, Ni4Ti3 precipitation, dislocations and internal stress, to the transformation temperature and transformation latent heat were clarified through specially designed experiments. Ni evaporation is found to have the most profound effect, followed by precipitation. Increasing scanning speed is found to reduce Ni loss, thus cause less increase in the transformation temperature and transformation heat of the LPBF-NiTi alloys. Increasing scanning speed also increases the microstructure non-uniformity and thus widens the transformation temperature interval. The orientations of residual stress exhibit strong crystallographic stiffness dependence. The LPBF-NiTi alloys with different scanning speeds all exhibited high strains (>13.4%) and excellent shape memory effect. A LPBF-NiTi honeycomb structure exhibited 96% shape recovery rate after a 60% pre-compressive deformation. Besides, there is an optimum scanning speed for minimum porosity and smallest average pore size. However, the pore structure is found to have weak influence on the tensile behaviour of the LPBF-NiTi alloys, possibly due to the high defect tolerance of the martensitic transformation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Discussing spent nuclear fuel in high school classrooms: addressing public fears through early education

The Inreach program combines the Deep River Science Academy (DRSA) 'learning through research' approach with state of the art communication technology to bring scientific research to high school classrooms. The Inreach program follows the DRSA teaching model where a university student tutor works on a research project with scientific staff at AECL's Chalk River Laboratories. Participating high school classes are located across Canada. The high school students learn about the ongoing research activities via weekly web conferences. In order to engage the students and encourage participation in the conferences, themed exercises linked to the research project are provided to the students. The DRSA's Inreach program uses a cost-effective internet technology to reach a wide audience, in an interactive setting, without anyone leaving their desks or offices. An example Inreach research project is presented here: an investigation of the potential of the Canadian supercritical water cooled reactor (SCWR) concept to burn transuranic elements (Np, Pu, Am, Cm) to reduce the impact of used nuclear fuel. During this project a university student worked with AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited) researchers on technical aspects of the project, and high school students followed their progress and learned about the composition, hazards, and disposition options for used nuclear fuel. Previous projects included the effects of tritium on cellular viability and neutron diffraction measurement of residual stresses in automobile engines.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗