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At least 145 records · Page 8

Understanding failure in austenitic steels: Key considerations for molten salt storage in CSP applications

Owing to their excellent properties, austenitic stainless steels are extensively used in boilers, furnaces, molten salt tanks, and other applications that are subjected to extreme mechanical loads and high-temperature conditions. Their high corrosion and creep resistance make them suitable for high-temperature operating environments. Additionally, good fatigue resistance and favorable mechanical and visual properties are essential. However, the premature failure of several components at elevated temperatures has been previously reported. Although the failure analysis of components in service is complex, processes such as cold work and welding have been identified as contributing factors to the performance degradation of these steels. This study aims to analyze the various documented failure modes and mechanisms in austenitic steels, including creep, cracking, stress relaxation cracking, and fatigue, to better understand the multi-objective design requirements for these alloys as structural materials for high-temperature molten salt tanks in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants. Stabilized austenitic grades, such as AISI 347H, demonstrate superior resistance to creep and corrosion-related degradation when compared to non-stabilized grades like AISI 316L at temperatures relevant to concentrated solar power (CSP) applications. In contrast, nickel-based alloys offer enhanced corrosion resistance, albeit at a higher cost. This review underscores that creep, stress relaxation cracking, and thermo-mechanical fatigue are the predominant long-term failure risks in CSP hot tanks.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

One dimensional wormhole corrosion in metals

Corrosion is a ubiquitous failure mode of materials. Often, the progression of localized corrosion is accompanied by the evolution of porosity in materials previously reported to be either three-dimensional or two-dimensional. However, using new tools and analysis techniques, we have realized that a more localized form of corrosion, which we call 1D wormhole corrosion, has previously been miscategorized in some situations. Using electron tomography, we show multiple examples of this 1D and percolating morphology. To understand the origin of this mechanism in a Ni-Cr alloy corroded by molten salt, we combined energy-filtered four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy and ab initio density functional theory calculations to develop a vacancy mapping method with nanometer-resolution, identifying a remarkably high vacancy concentration in the diffusion-induced grain boundary migration zone, up to 100 times the equilibrium value at the melting point. Deciphering the origins of 1D corrosion is an important step towards designing structural materials with enhanced corrosion resistance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An investigation of the failure modes in U-10Mo monolithic fuel irradiated to high burnup

Here, this study investigated possible failure mode sequences in U-10Mo monolithic fuel irradiated to very-high-burnup. The U-Mo fuel plate used in this study was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS), and image analysis techniques to investigate how microstructural features may initiate crack formation and propagation through the microstructure, potentially leading to blistering. Distinctly large fission gas pores (FGPs) were observed to preferentially align 5-15µm away from the U-10Mo/Zr interface, parallel to the Zr diffusion barrier. Preferential growth, alignment, and interconnection of FGP could initiate blistering in the fuel plate by creating a fission gas channel, parallel to the U-Mo/Zr interface. FGP alignment in the fuel phase near the U-Mo/Zr interface is believed to be one of the precursors to crack and Type 2 blister formation in monolithic U-Mo fuels. The chemical maps revealed differences in fission product behavior near the U-Mo/Zr interface such that Nd remains in the fuel matrix at the FGP sites. On the other hand, other fission products like Xe and Cs can get trapped in FGPs by Nd in the fuel phase and/or diffuse toward the Zr diffusion barrier.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Photovoltaic Cable Connectors: A Comparative Assessment of the Present State of the Industry [Slides]

The consequences of failure for balance of systems (BoS) components (such as PV cable connectors) include offline module string(s); low system voltage; arc, ground, insulation, and over-temperature faults; triggered fuse(s); system shutdown; and fire. The degradation modes for connectors are studied here through an industry survey and its subsequent examination, which are compared to field-degraded specimens. 117 specimens were obtained from a variety of locations and climates or accelerated tests. A failure analysis for connectors from PV installations was developed (and applied to 54 specimens) including nondestructive examinations (photography, a custom resistance-current scan, and X-ray computed tomography) and destructive examinations (featuring milling of the external plastic, extraction of the internal convolute spring, and potting and polishing in cross-section). Surface and through-thickness composition of the metal pins and springs was quantified using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to verify the base polymer materials and compare the chemical structure of the connector body, bushing, end nut, and o-ring. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to further verify the degradation of the same polymeric components. Updated from 2023 NIST/UL Workshop on Photovoltaic Materials Durability (website: https://events.ul.com/WPMogn?rt=aAuoWsl4E0KaORLCMeOgfA) and 2024 PVRW workshop (https://pvrw.nrel.gov/past-proceedings).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Formulation and calibration of two-dimensional constitutive models for composite structures based on panel tests

Steel Plate Concrete (SC) composite members have been widely adopted because of its cost-efficiency and enhanced structural behavior. While researchers have attempted to study its in-plane shear behavior in the past twenty years, very limited number of large-scale pure shear tests were performed due to the challenge of experimental set-up and the availability of facilities. In this paper, a series of uniaxial loading tests and two full-scale pure shear panel tests of SC members were reported, on which the “mechanics-based Membrane Model of SC elements (MM-SC)” is developed. The MM-SC model is based on the fixed-angle crack formulation and the smeared-crack formulation, in which the experimental-based uniaxial constitutive models are implemented, considering the local buckling of faceplate, the tension stiffening of steel plate, the strength degradation of cracked concrete and the confinement effect of concrete. The proposed MM-SC model is subsequently incorporated into the object-oriented software OpenSEES. Finally, the simulation results of proposed model well predict the SC test observations in terms of critical branch points and structural behaviors, including initial stiffness, cracking strength, post-crack stiffness, yield strength, maximum strength, and failure modes.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Operation and Maintenance of PV Systems: Data Science, Analysis, and Standards

This effort improves the effectiveness and reduce uncertainty in O&M cost through four primary objectives/tasks: 1) institutionalize standards for reliability and availability reporting for large PV power plants; 2) bridge systemic O&M knowledge gaps around important topics affecting O&M; 3) characterize systemic failure modes and patterns and accelerate O&M experiential learning cycles using field data; and 4) establish a baseline understanding of UPVS O&M cost drivers. Key results of this effort include publication of IEC standards, published topical papers on O&M topics, training, and characterize field data for climate- and service-related patterns (additional details below). Integrating these results serves to reduce performance risk and facilitate improvement in the way solar projects are operated and maintained. Results are well received and two publications are among the most successful SETO publications at NREL ("Model of Operation and Maintenance Costs for Photovoltaic Systems with over 40,000 downloads and "Best Practices in Operation and Maintenance of PV Systems, 3rd Ed." with over 90,000 downloads).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

STRUCTURAL MODELING TO SUPPORT POST-YIELD ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL CLADDING

Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is evaluated for structural failure during storage and transportation scenarios. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Spent Fuel and Waste Science and Technology (SFWST) program has sponsored significant research in quantifying mechanical loads on SNF during storage and transportation scenarios using experimental and modeling methods. The SFWST program has also performed significant research on measuring the mechanical behavior of irradiated SNF as defueled cladding segments and cladding with fuel pellets to measure composite behavior. This paper considers some of the key material data from the Sibling Pin testing and uses structural modeling and analysis methods that have been informed by testing to consider post-yield acceptance criteria for SNF cladding structural analysis. Test data published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are the foundation for informing the material behavior of the models developed in this study. In particular, four-point bend (4PB) tests of fueled and defueled cladding segments provide significant information about the bending failure mode of SNF. ORNL’s 4PB test data is on fueled cladding segments, so the composite behavior of SNF is demonstrated. This paper describes PNNL’s coincident beam model that was developed to approximate the composite behavior of SNF. This paper also presents PNNL’s structural dynamic finite element models of a cask tip-over scenario, which is predicted to cause the strongest mechanical loads on SNF of all postulated storage and transportation scenarios. SNF bending loads predicted in the cask tip-over scenario and cladding acceptance criteria beyond yield are considered, with justification based on the Sibling Pin test data. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel code stress intensity limits are also considered. The ultimate goal of this work is to aid in the justification of structural acceptance criteria for SNF cladding beyond the cladding’s irradiated yield strength for use in structural analysis of all storage and transportation scenarios.

Klymyshyn, Nicholas A.↗

Photovoltaic Cable Connectors: A Comparative Assessment of the Present State of the Industry

The consequences of failure for balance-of-systems components (such as photovoltaic (PV) cable connectors) include offline module string(s); low system voltage; arc, ground, insulation, and overtemperature faults; triggered fuse(s); system shutdown; and fire. The degradation modes for connectors are studied here through an industry survey and its subsequent examination, which are compared with field-degraded specimens. A total of 117 specimens were obtained from a variety of locations and climates or accelerated tests. A failure analysis for connectors from PV installations was developed (and applied to 54 specimens), including nondestructive examinations (photography, a custom resistance-current scan, and X-ray computed tomography) and destructive examinations (featuring milling of the external plastic, extraction of the internal convolute spring, and potting and polishing in cross section). Surface and through-thickness composition of the metal pins and springs was quantified using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to verify the base polymer materials and compare the chemical structure of the connector body, bushing, end nut, and o-ring. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to further verify the degradation of the same polymeric components.

cable connectors↗

Structural modeling and dynamic analysis of condensate storage tanks in nuclear power plants

Condensate storage tanks (CSTs) in nuclear power plants (NPPs) are classified as critical equipment capable of surviving strong shaking in a design basis earthquake to assure the ability to subsequently provide cooling water. Structural modeling and dynamic analysis of CSTs are complicated due to fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and coupling issues, which could have significant effects on seismic response. The capability of a number of approximate models to capture seismic response is investigated using dynamic analysis results from detailed finite element models. Modal analyses and time history analyses are carried out using both 2D and 3D models to predict the dynamic behavior of CSTs as a function of ground motion intensity. Although 2D simplified models can be used to quickly evaluate the dynamic response of CSTs when there is substantial margin to failure, a detailed 3D model is required when it is necessary to examine a limit state associated with the failure mode of the tank. The findings show good agreement between the natural frequencies of convective modes determined from the 2D and 3D CST models. The difference between the frequencies of impulsive modes were found to be equal to or less than 25%.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Controlled Pyroshock Test Transients Can Be Used To Better Match Operational Shock Transients and Reduce Artificial Pyroshock Test Failures [Slides]

Shock analysis is typically done via SRS (shock response spectrum). Oftentimes shock analysis is not performed because most loads specifications only supply SRS requirements with no representative shock transients that can be used for analysis. SRS analysis is too conservative. There is no structural dynamics involved as all modes are assumed to have peak responses simultaneously and in-phase with each other. It is possible that all other loads and combination of loads show the design to be good, whereas SRS analysis (1000 g’s are involved) results may require redesign. Multiple shock transients can satisfy a SRS, yet most loads documents don’t provide a representative shock transient that could be used for shock analysis. Shock testing is less common than harmonic and random vibration testing. Engineers typically go into shock tests with very little knowledge of what to expect. A pass/fail type of approach with very little engineering done to prepare for the test or to control the type of shock transient is used. Most engineers will not model the shock test fixture due to lack of knowledge about the details of the test setup. Shock analysis and testing is often an open loop type situation with no test setup modeling, no test correlation, and no control over the test shock transient. In this work, if we can create applied test force transient that comes close to matching calculated force transient then a more reasonable acceleration transient will be created at the test reference accelerometer that better matches operational shocks.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Rapid characterization and failure analysis of 6276 rooftop-harvested photovoltaic connectors

Photovoltaic (PV) connectors, which link modules in series and connect PV strings in parallel, have increasingly been recognized as a primary contributor to PV system failures and a source of numerous fire incidents. However, publicly available data on the rates and types of connector failures are scarce, primarily due to the proprietary nature of the information and the need for comprehensive analysis. This study represents the first large-scale investigation of harvested PV connectors, drawing from a dataset of 6276 connectors from residential rooftop solar systems across the United States. The outcome of this work is twofold: 1) we have established a rapid characterization method for large populations of harvested connectors, incorporating visual inspection, resistance measurements, and X-ray imaging; and 2) the analysis made possible by our rapid-processing method has revealed, for a population of connector models provided by a single rooftop installer, failure statistics and insights for various connector makes and models, installation practices, operating currents, and internal component displacements. This research identifies common failure modes that could be considered in future connector designs standards, and operations and maintenance practices, to ultimately improve the reliability of this vital component of PV infrastructure.

MC4↗

Nanoscopic strain evolution in single-crystal battery positive electrodes

Single-crystal Ni-rich layered oxides (SC-NMC) with a grain-boundary-free configuration have effectively addressed the long-standing cracking issue of conventional polycrystalline Ni-rich materials (PC-NMC) in lithium-ion batteries, prompting a shift in optimization strategies. However, continued reliance on anisotropic lattice volume change—a well-established failure indicator in PC-NMC—as a metric for understanding strain and guiding compositional design for SC-NMC becomes controversial. Here, in this study, by leveraging multiscale diagnostic techniques, we unravelled the distinct nanoscopic strain evolution in SC-NMC during battery operation, challenging the conventional composition-driven strategies and mechanical degradation indicators used for PC-NMC. Through particle-level chemomechanical analysis, we reveal a decoupling between mechanical stability and lattice volume change in SC-NMC, identifying that structural instability in SC materials is primarily driven by multidimensional lattice distortions induced by kinetics-driven reaction heterogeneity and progressively deactivating chemical phases. Using this mechanical failure mode, we redefine the roles of cobalt and manganese in maintaining mechanical stability. Unlike cobalt’s detrimental role in PC-NMC, we find cobalt to be critical in enhancing the longevity of SC-NMC by mitigating localized strain along the extended diffusion pathway, whereas manganese exacerbates mechanical degradation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrochemical Response of Alkaline Batteries Subject to Quasi-Static and Dynamic Loading

We report electrochemical changes were successfully monitored through the coupling of external loading, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis. The development of the testing methods allows for detailed observation of changes due to mechanical loading and distinguishes responses between different cell geometries. Comparison of the force vs displacement, voltage vs displacement, and distribution of relaxation times plots to the different cell geometries display failure modes specific to geometry as well as the impact of different loading profiles. Numerical modeling confirmed the movement within individual cells and predicted locations with the most deformation based on the external loading condition applied. The results gathered from combining mechanical loading, electrochemical response, and numerical modeling, yield a viable approach to establishing an improved understanding of the effects of mechanical loading on the electrochemical response of multiple battery geometries and the methods herein may be extensible to additional battery chemistries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Fitness-for-Service Analysis of Reactor Components under Flexible Load-Following Operating Conditions

Conventional power-generation plants, including nuclear plants, have been traditionally designed to provide a steady baseload energy capacity, optimizing output efficiency while minimizing variable costs. However, the growing adoption of large-scale renewable energy-generation systems, which rely on intermittent sources such as solar and wind, has introduced more variability into the energy supply in interconnected electricity grids. As a result, the next generation of power plants needs to operate in what is known as the load-following mode, requiring flexible adjustments in electricity production to align with the energy demand on the grid. This transition from the steady baseload operation to load-following operating conditions can significantly increase the number of times various plant components are exposed to transient stresses. This increased thermo-mechanical cycling can lead to accelerated material degradation, thereby elevating the risk of premature failure of a component. It becomes imperative to conduct a comprehensive analysis of fatigue, creep-fatigue, and stress corrosion cracking life, to assess the resilience of the various engineering components under these flexible load-following operating conditions. This study aims to develop a comprehensive numerical model of a light-water reactor pressure vessel (RPV) to investigate its degradation under various operating scenarios. This coupled thermo-mechanical finite element analysis evaluated the stress response of the RPV caused by considering fluctuations in thermal and mechanical loads caused by the varying pressure and temperature occurring during the load-following operation. Critical locations on the RPV are subsequently identified based on the stress response. The stress intensity factors for the postulated flaws at those locations are then calculated, followed by an evaluation of the reactor's life in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI. This comprehensive life assessment covers a number of transients expected during the flexible load-following operation, providing invaluable insights into the RPV's structural integrity. Moreover, the development methodology can be adapted to other reactor components, as well as components of conventional power stations that are affected by varying operating conditions.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

A combined experimental and computational analysis of failure mechanisms in open-hole cross-ply laminates under flexural loading

In this work, integrated experimental tests and computational modeling are proposed to investigate the failure mechanisms of open-hole cross-ply carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminated composites. In particular, we propose two effective methods, which include width-tapered double cantilever beam (WTDCB) and fixed-ratio mixed-mode end load split (FRMMELS) tests, to obtain the experimental data more reliably. We then calibrate the traction-separation laws of cohesive zone model (CZM) used among laminas of the composites by leveraging these two methods. The experimental results of fracture energy, i.e. G Ic and G Tc , obtained from WTDCB and FRMMELS tests are generally insensitive to the crack length thus requiring no effort to accurately measure the crack tip. Moreover, FRMMELS sample contains a fixed mixed-mode ratio of G IIc /G Tc depending on the width taper ratio. Examining comparisons between experimental results of FRMMELS tests and failure surface of B–K failure criterion predicted from a curve fitting, good agreement between the predictions and experimental data has been found, indicating that FRMMELS tests are an effective method to determine mixed-mode fracture criterion. In addition, a coupled experimental-computational modeling of WTDCB, edge notched flexure, and FRMMELS tests are adopted to calibrate and validate the interfacial strengths. Finally, failure mechanisms of open-hole cross-ply CFRP laminates under flexural loading have been studied systematically using experimental and multi-scale computational analyses based on the developed CZM model. The initiation and propagation of delamination, the failure of laminated layers as well as load-displacement curves predicted from computational analyses are in good agreement with what we have observed experimentally.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Heavy ion irradiation induced failure of gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors: effects of in-situ biasing

Abstract While radiation is known to degrade AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs), the question remains on the extent of damage governed by the presence of an electrical field in the device. In this study, we induced displacement damage in HEMTs in both ON and OFF states by irradiating with 2.8 MeV Au 4+ ion to fluence levels ranging from 1.72 × 10 10 to 3.745 × 10 13 ions cm −2 , or 0.001–2 displacement per atom (dpa). Electrical measurement is done in situ , and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), geometrical phase analysis (GPA), and micro-Raman are performed on the highest fluence of Au 4+ irradiated devices. The selected heavy ion irradiation causes cascade damage in the passivation, AlGaN, and GaN layers and at all associated interfaces. After just 0.1 dpa, the current density in the ON-mode device deteriorates by two orders of magnitude, whereas the OFF-mode device totally ceases to operate. Moreover, six orders of magnitude increase in leakage current and loss of gate control over the 2-dimensional electron gas channel are observed. GPA and Raman analysis reveal strain relaxation after a 2 dpa damage level in devices. Significant defects and intermixing of atoms near AlGaN/GaN interfaces and GaN layer are found from HRTEM and EDX analyses, which can substantially alter device characteristics and result in complete failure.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Electrical Submersible Pumps: A System Modeling Approach for Power Quality Analysis With Variable Frequency Drives

This article proposes a high-level engineering guide to develop an integrated system model for power quality analysis in electrical submersible pump (ESP) applications with variable frequency drives (VFDs). Such analyses are troublesome in the industry due to the complexity of these systems. In this article, simple steps to perform system integration analyses of such arrangements, including torsional analysis, are developed. A simplified VFD-ESP model suitable for coupled electrical and mechanical analysis in steady state is proposed in all their configurations of practical interest. Such a model can be easily implemented in common simulation software, significantly reducing engineering efforts for implementation and analysis. The focus of the proposed model is the prediction of ESP failures that might result from a poor power quality caused by VFDs. Analytical expressions of different types of harmonics in these systems, as well as their accurate locations in the frequency domain, including their interharmonics and common-mode harmonics, are derived for this purpose. Further, the effectiveness of the proposed model is verified through offline and real-time hybrid simulation results. Finally, a comparison between simulation results obtained using the proposed model and measurements collected on a down-scale laboratory prototype is carried out to demonstrate the accuracy of the suggested modeling approach.

42 ENGINEERING↗

High-Temperature Linear Receiver Enabled by Multicomponent Aerogels

Concentrating solar thermal (CST) technology has significant potential mainly due to its dispatchability and low cost of storage. However, to compete with other sources, including utility-scale solar PV, its final cost (cents/kWh) still needs to be lowered. Cost reduction can be achieved by improving the system level efficiency of the CST plants through the deployment of advanced power cycles, which operate at high temperatures of ~700°C. However, optical, and thermal losses pose a major challenge to the efficiency of such CST systems. The overall aim of this project is to investigate and de-risk a linear solar receiver concept called an Aerogel Insulated Receiver (AIR) that generates high temperatures (up to 700°C) at a low solar concentration ratio (<100) and with a high collection efficiency (optical × receiver). Our prior work has demonstrated the thermal stability1 and optical and heat-insulating properties2,3 of transparent aerogel insulation at a one-inch scale. The focus of this work is on (1) co-optimization of the geometry of the aerogel tile and receiver enclosure to fit a standard parabolic collector (PTC), (2) scale-up of aerogels into 4-inch tiles while preserving key properties, (3) experimental measurement of receiver heat loss (W/m) in a >70-cm test stand and validation of anticipated receiver performance at high temperatures. Regarding (1), appropriate optical and thermal models for a parabolic trough receiver (PTR) are developed and validated. The geometry of the aerogels and the receiver enclosure are co-optimized to maximize the collection efficiency. The model predicts a 54% collection efficiency at 700°C for an AIR design based on flat aerogels. By combining the collection efficiency with the power block efficiency of supercritical CO 2 cycles, we predict >10% improvements in peak plant efficiency relative to existing line-focusing CST systems. The application of curved plasmonic aerogels is predicted to further increase the collection efficiency to 64%. Regarding (2), we demonstrate the successful development of 6-inch-long refractory aerogel tiles with optical, thermal, and stability characteristics consistent with our prior work. This scale-up requires a transition to a larger ALD station and modifying the ALD process variables such as exposure time and the number of precursor doses. Regarding (3), we design and develop an AIR test stand measuring 3 feet in length. Heat loss performance analysis is carried out using the test stand. The results indicate that aerogel insulation can significantly reduce receiver thermal losses at the high operating temperatures required for next-generation PTRs. The experimental results agree with the heat loss performance predicted by our receiver model. Lastly, we conducted preliminary failure mode and effects (FMEA) and techno-economic (TEA) analyses to identify failure mitigation strategies and commercial opportunities, respectively. Overall, this project identifies key opportunities and challenges in deploying aerogel insulating receivers in next-generation line-focusing CST technologies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗