Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “FRACTIONATED IRRADIATION”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9

An Atom Probe Tomography Study of the Through Wall Attenuation Effect on Cu-rich Precipitate Formation in a Reactor Pressure Vessel Steel

In this study, high-Cu weld material harvested from an ex service reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel from Unit 1 of the decommissioned Zion Nuclear Generating Station has been characterized using atom probe tomography. Samples taken from 4 different positions through the thicknesses of the pressure vessel wall from the water-side to the air-side were characterized, along with an unirradiated baseline material. In the baseline material, no precipitates were found and the Cu was observed to be fully in solid solution; however, scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) revealed the presence of ϵ -Cu that form during processing of the material and results in the concomitant decrease of matrix Cu. Following irradiation, a high number density of nano-scale Cu-rich precipitates (CRPs) were observed, uniformly distributed throughout the matrix. The Cu content within the CRPs was found to be ~30-35 at.% regardless of location in the wall. No statistically significant variation in the compositions, mean radius, number density, or volume fraction as a function of location within the wall was observed. The measured matrix Cu level excluding CRPs contribution was found to be ~90 appm higher than the solubility limit suggesting that further nucleation and growth of the CRPs under continued operations would have occurred. These results clearly demonstrate that the neutron energy attenuation has no significant effect on the precipitation kinetics of CRPs regardless of location in the wall in high-Cu RPV steels under irradiation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A lumped particle direct simulation Monte-Carlo method combined with the collisional-radiative model for simulations of non-equilibrium laser-induced plasma plumes

Collisional plasma plumes induced by laser irradiation of material targets exhibit large variations in local density as well as ionization and excitation states, making purely hydrodynamic or kinetic simulations inaccurate or infeasible. To address this challenge and capture non-equilibrium effects in laser-induced plasma plumes at arbitrary degrees of ionization, we develop a hybrid computational approach that combines the kinetic direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method with a collisional-radiative model (CRM). This ℓDSMC-CRM approach utilizes a lumped particle method to represent minor fractions of excited ions in particle-based simulations and a special coarse-graining technique for atomic spectra and photoionization rates, ensuring numerical convergence at reduced computational cost. The hybrid approach is applied to simulate spatially homogeneous relaxation as well as one- and two-dimensional expansions of plasma plumes induced by irradiation of a copper target by a nanosecond laser pulse in a vacuum or background gas. The comparison with an equilibrium model, where local Saha-Boltzmann equilibrium is enforced, shows that the non-equilibrium effects play a dominant role. The equilibrium model can fail to predict the flow structure and strongly underestimate the degree of absorption of laser radiation by the plume. The ℓDSMC-CRM approach is validated against experimental data demonstrating reasonable agreement with the experimental electron density and temperature, while the equilibrium model is found to dramatically underestimate electron density and temperature. The flexibility of the ℓDSMC-CRM approach allows for its seamless integration into existing DSMC frameworks, making it a valuable tool for high-fidelity plasma modeling in laser-material interactions, laser-based manufacturing, and beyond.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

The distribution and selective decontamination of carbon-14 from nuclear graphite

This work investigates 14 C release behaviour from UK Magnox reactor sourced irradiated graphite under relatively low temperature oxidation conditions: a 1% oxygen in argon atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 600°C to 700°C, and durations from 4 to 120 hours. A method is used for construction of a detailed 14 C release profile with mass loss. The 14 C release profile is predictable between samples, and an empirical release profile is derived to predict releases to higher mass losses than in this work. An accelerated 14 C release rate at small mass losses is observed, indicative of a 14 C-enriched surface region with a depleting concentration gradient into the material, and the source terms and complexities associated with predicting where the 14 C arose from are discussed. Selective decontamination of a fraction of the 14 C is possible, with the limitation of a reducing efficiency with mass loss and time. This work demonstrates a method for determining the distribution of 14 C between near-surface regions and the bulk material in differing sources of irradiated graphite, and provides data in support of making an informed assessment for the adoption of low temperature thermal treatment and isotopic reduction of irradiated graphite wastes.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Fabrication of yttrium hydride for high-temperature moderator application

We report given the superior thermal stability and highly attainable hydrogen density, yttrium hydride is an excellent high-temperature moderator material in advanced thermal neutron spectrum reactors that require small core volumes. Large-scale, crack-free, bulk yttrium hydride is in high demand; however, fabrication of yttrium hydride is challenging and has not been demonstrated for nearly half century. The associated challenges are discussed herein. In response to these challenges, a hydriding system was designed and constructed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and was used to successfully fabricate crack-free yttrium hydride in complex geometries at large scales. This was accomplished by precisely controlling the hydrogen’s partial pressure and the retort temperature, which was informed by the well-established thermodynamic properties of the binary H–Y system. Hydrogen content in as-fabricated hydride was determined by weight change, an approach which was considered reliable based on the use of ultra–high-purity yttrium, the absence of oxide phases up to levels detectable using x-ray diffraction (XRD), and the significant weight gain. Hydrogen distribution along one yttrium hydride rod was evaluated with XRD analysis on materials extracted from different locations on the rod. The results indicated a relatively homogeneous hydrogen distribution along the hydride rod, with <3% uncertainty in the fraction of the δ-phase hydride. In addition, significant efforts are being dedicated to establish a complete database summarizing the thermomechanical and physical properties of as-fabricated yttrium hydride and the irradiation response to facilitate its deployment as a high-temperature moderator in advanced nuclear reactors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nighttime electric power generation at a density of 50 mW/m 2 via radiative cooling of a photovoltaic cell

A large fraction of the world's population lacks access to the electric grid. Standard photovoltaic (PV) cells can provide a renewable off-grid source of electricity but only produce power from daytime solar irradiance and do not produce power at night. While there have been several theoretical proposals and experimental demonstrations of energy harvesting from the radiative cooling of a PV cell at night, the achieved power density is very low. Here, we construct a device, which incorporates a thermoelectric generator that harvests electricity from the temperature difference between the PV cell and the ambient surrounding. We achieve 50 mW/m 2 nighttime power generation with a clear night sky, with an open-circuit voltage of 100 mV, which is orders of magnitude higher as compared with previous demonstrations. During the daytime, the thermoelectric generator also provides additional power on top of the electric power generated directly from the PV cells. Our system can be used as a continuous renewable power source for both day- and nighttime in off-grid locations.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Utility of Circulating MicroRNA-150 for Rapid Evaluation of Bone Marrow Depletion After Radiation and Efficiency of Bone Marrow Reconstitution

Total body irradiation (TBI) is a common myeloablative preparative regimen used in acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia patients before allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The inefficient clearance of tumor cells and radiation-induced toxicity to normal tissues is attributed to relapse and morbidity in a significant fraction of patients. Developing biomarkers that indicate an individual's physiological response to radiation will allow personalized treatment and follow-up. We investigated the utility of circulating microRNA150-5p (miR150) for evaluation of radiation dose response.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

4D evolution of Cr 23 C 6 precipitates in neutron-irradiated and annealed HT-UPS steel observed via synchrotron micro-computed tomography

High-temperature-ultrafine precipitate strengthened (HT-UPS) steel is a potential structural material for advanced nuclear reactors; however, its irradiation response is not well understood. This research provides insight into irradiation-induced effects, such as precipitate evolution mechanisms and four-dimensional morphological evolution, in HT-UPS steel using synchrotron micro-computed tomography. Identical specimens were characterized pre-irradiation and post-irradiation following neutron exposure up to 0.3 displacements per atom at 600 °C. Irradiation effects were also differentiated from the annealing response of precipitates. Following neutron irradiation, the average Cr 23 C 6 precipitate size reduced, affected by the synergy of nucleation and growth, ballistic dissolution, and inverse coarsening, which was observed at fluences an order of magnitude lower than previously observed. Annealing at 600 °C for 32 h increased the average Cr 23 C 6 precipitate size and decreased the phase fraction, attributed to precipitate coarsening. The precipitate morphology evolution and resultant mechanisms can be utilized to parameterize and validate microstructural models simulating radiation damage or annealing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructural and Micro-Chemical Evolutions in the Irradiated UCO Fuel Kernels of AGR-1 and AGR-2 TRISO Fuel Particles

AGR-1 and AGR-2 TRISO fuel particles were fabricated with slightly different fuel kernel chemical compositions, modified fabrication processes, different fuel kernel diameters, and changed 235U enrichments. To correlate those differences with the fuel kernel responses to neutron irradiations in terms of irradiated fuel microstructure, fission products chemical and physical states, and fission gas bubble evolutions, extensive microstructural and analytical characterizations were conducted. The studies used a state of art transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) of four silicon solid-state detectors which have super sensitivity and fast speed. The TEM specimens were prepared from selected AGR-1 and AGR-2 irradiated fuel kernels exposed to safety testing after irradiation. The particles were chosen to represent a representative irradiation conditions with a fuel burnup within the range from 10.8 to 18.6% FIMA, and the time-average volume-average temperatures vary from 1070 to 1287°C. The 235U enrichment was 19.74 wt.% for the AGR1 fuel kernels and 14.03 wt.% for the AGR-2 fuel kernels. The TEM results show that there were significant microstructural reconstructions in the irradiated fuel kernels for both the AGR-1 and AGR-2 fuels. There are four major phases including fuel matrix of UO2 and UC, U2RuC2, and UMoC2 in the irradiated AGR2 fuel kernel. Zr and Nb form solid solution in the UC phase. UMoC2 phase often shows a detectable concentration of Tc. Pd was found to mainly locate in the buffer layer or to be associated with fission gas bubble within the UMoC2 phase. The EDS maps qualitatively show that the rare-earth fission products (Nb, et al.) preferentially reside in the UO2 phase. In contrast, in the irradiated AGR1 fuel kernel, no U2RuC2 or UMoC2 precipitates were positively identified. Instead, there is a high number of rod-shape precipitates enriched with Ru, Tc, Rh, and Pd observed in the fuel kernel center and edge zone. The difference of microstructural and micro-chemical evolutions in irradiated fuel kernels between the AGR-1 and AGR-2 TRISO fuel particle may result from a combined factor of irradiation temperature, fuel geometry and chemical composition. However, the irradiation temperature probably play a more deterministic role. Limited electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) characterizations on the AGR2 fuel kernel show that there is nearly no carbon in the UO2 phase while a small fraction of oxygen was detected in the UC/UMoC2 phase.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Peer Review of X441A Fission Gas Release Data

The purpose of this document is to demonstrate completion of the independent peer review for the fission gas release measurement of fuel pins irradiated in the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) as part of the X441A experiment. The specific data reviewed includes reported plenum volume and pressure from the measurement from the fuel pins. Fraction percent of fission gas release is derived in part from these measurements but is excluded from the data reviewed.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Ion velocity effect governs damage annealing process in defective KTaO 3

Effects of electronic to nuclear energy losses (S e /S n ) ratio on damage evolution in defective KTaO 3 have been investigated by irradiating pre-damaged single crystal KTaO 3 with intermediate energy O ions (6 MeV, 8 MeV and 12 MeV) at 300 K. By exploring these processes in pre-damaged KTaO 3 containing a fractional disorder level of 0.35, the results demonstrate the occurrence of a precursory stage of damage production before the onset of damage annealing process in defective KTaO 3 that decreases with O ion energy. The observed ionization-induced annealing process by ion channeling analysis has been further mirrored by high resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. In addition, the reduction of disorder level is accompanied by the broadening of the disorder profiles to greater depth with increasing ion fluence, and enhanced migration is observed with decreasing O ion energy. Since S e (~3.0 keV nm –1 ) is nearly constant for all 3 ion energies across the pre-damaged depth, the difference in behavior is due to the so-called 'velocity effect': the lower ion velocity below the Bragg peak yields a confined spread of the electron cascade and hence an increased energy deposition density. Here, the inelastic thermal spike calculation has further confirmed the existence of a velocity effect, not previously reported in KTaO 3 or very scarcely reported in other materials for which the existence of ionization-induced annealing has been reported. In other words, understanding of ionization-induced annealing has been advanced by pointing out that ion velocity effect governs the healing of pre-existing defects, which may have significant implication for the creation of new functionalities in KTaO 3 through atomic-level control of microstructural modifications, but may not be limited to KTaO 3 .

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Comparison of Fission Product Release Predictions using PARFUME with Results from the AGR-2 Irradiation Experiment

The PARFUME (PARticle FUel ModEl) code was used to predict fission product release from tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated fuel particles and compacts during the second irradiation experiment (AGR-2) of the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program. The PARFUME model for the Advanced Gas reactor (AGR)GR-2 experiment used the fuel compact volume average temperature for each of the 560 days of irradiation to calculate the release of fission products of silver, cesium, and strontium from a representative particle for a select number of AGR -2 compacts. In addition, safety tests were performed on 15 compacts ranging from 1500 to 1800°C to determine fission product release at temperatures that bound reactor accident conditions. PARFUME was used to calculate the fission product release of silver, cesium, strontium, and krypton during these safety tests. Post-irradiation examination (PIE) measurements provided the data on release of fission products from the fuel compacts and fuel particles, and retention of fission products in the compacts outside the silicon carbide (SiC) layer. The predicted fraction release from PARFUME was then compared to PIE measurements.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Material and component developments for the DEMO divertor using fibre reinforcement and additive manufacturing

Within the research along the European Fusion Roadmap, water-cooled divertor PFCs are foreseen in the design of a first fusion demonstration power plant (DEMO) in order to provide reliable heat removal capability. In the frame of this concerted attempt, the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics is concentrating on the development and testing of composite materials based on tungsten (W, preferred armour material) and copper (Cu, preferred heat sink material). W fibres (W f ) as monofilaments and yarns as reinforcement play a central role in these investigations due to their extraordinary properties concerning ductility already at room temperature and high tensile strength. Recent investigations on the impact of radiation damage suggest that the fibres retain their ductility upon irradiation. W reinforced with W fibres (W f /W) allows to overcome the intrinsic brittleness of W. Quantitative mechanical fracture tests of W f /W confirm the basic mechanisms of fibre reinforcement and the increased resistance to mechanical fatigue. The good wettability of W with liquid Cu and the absence of any metallurgical solubility make up an ideal material pairing for composite production. W fibre-reinforced Cu (W f /Cu) cooling tubes provide a rather high thermal conductivity (> 250 W mK -1 ) and at least twice the strength of CuCrZr in hoop direction in the temperature range up to at least 500 °C. Very recent neutron irradiation experiments confirm the sustainment of ductility of the W f /Cu composite. Numerical simulations suggest that thermal stresses in W-Cu PFCs could be strongly reduced by tailoring the local W and Cu volume fraction. This 'freely' distributed material composition can be achieved by means of additively manufactured W skeletons consecutively infiltrated by Cu. Investigations with W preforms produced by Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion and infiltrated by Cu demonstrate the feasibility of this approach while testing of specifically prepared specimen is ongoing.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

R-Value Measurements Performed on Uranium Targets Irradiated with Fission Spectrum Neutrons FY 2021 for F2019 Project

The separation and characterization of two irradiated uranium targets, a depleted uranium (DU) and a highly enriched uranium (HEU) target, was conducted in April of 2021. The two targets were assembled at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and irradiated using the critical assembly at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC). Splits of the dissolved targets were received by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) after which the PNNL and LANL teams chemically separated the solutions using independent separation schemes and analyzed the separated fractions for short lived actinides and fission products. Chemical separations at PNNL were traced with stable or radioactive tracers to allow for the determination of chemical yields, analyzing using either inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or gamma emission analysis (GEA) depending on the nature of the tracer. Several other analytical techniques were used by PNNL including kinetic phosphorescence analysis (KPA) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) depending on the analyte’s need. Comparisons were made between current and historical PNNL and LANL, as well as literature values. Overall, there was agreement between the two laboratories for the bulk of analytes, with some notable exceptions such as 111 Ag, and 141,143,144 Ce. Included in these comparisons were the short-lived actinides 237 U, 239 Np, the fission products 89 Sr, 91 Y, 95/97 Zr, 99 Mo, 111 Ag, 115/115 mCd, 136/137 Cs, 140 Ba, 141/143/144 Ce, 147 Nd, 153 Sm, 156 Eu, and 161 Tb, providing both total atoms as well as the R-values. The data presented in this report represents the sixth NCERC irradiation of HEU and DU (FY13, FY14, FY15, FY17, FY18, FY21), and their subsequent separation and analysis.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Evaluation of the Radioactive Material Released in the Harborview Research and Training Building and Some Implications for Emergency Response

On 2 May 2019, during the 137 Cs source recovery operation, a source capsule in a research irradiator containing approximately 77.1 TBq was breached. Based on a geometric reconstruction analysis of the damage to the capsule, approximately 46.3 GBq (0.04%) was impacted by the chop saw (grinder) inside a mobile hot cell on the loading dock at the University of Washington Harborview Research and Training (HRT) Building. A very small fraction of the material impacted, less than 1%, was released from the mobile hot cell and then to the rest of the HRT Building. The objectives of this project were to assess the accidental release of 137 CsCl and its implications related to emergency response methods and the ramifications of 137 CsCl transport. The phenomenology of this event was also compared with past alkali halide dispersal events. The vast number of measurements and samples collected by the remediation contractors, the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Emergency Support Team, and the small number of retrospective samples collected by the authors informed the analysis. The techniques included (1) autoradiography and electron microscopy of samples collected from the HRT Building and the irradiator, (2) 3D visualization of deposition on surfaces and within the ventilation system, and (3) a study of the damage to the source capsule to evaluate the Cs particle size and particle composition due to the grinding accident. Subsequently, the cesium contaminant transport through the numerous pathways in the building was reconstructed to assess the deposition on surfaces as a function of particle size. Furthermore, the implications for emergency response are relevant to data quality and management. A Data Quality Objective guides data collection methods so that they have appropriate accuracy and precision for the intended application. Recommendations were made with respect to the sample collection protocols and archiving of samples.

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗

Impacts of Ionizing Radiation on Sulfur Chloride Compounds for Advanced Fuel Cladding Decontamination Processes

Tripling the nation’s nuclear energy capacity is a critical component for significantly increasing energy production and reducing energy costs for American families and businesses. Achieving this vision requires fuel cycle technologies that maximize resource utilization while minimizing radioactive waste generation. Advanced sulfur chloride–based chlorination technologies are being developed to enable efficient recycling of fuel cladding materials, which account for a significant fraction of used nuclear fuel. However, the impacts of ionizing radiation on the longevity and performance of these sulfur chloride compounds are not well established. Here, we will explore the effects of gamma and electron-beam irradiation on the chemical composition of select sulfur chloride reagents, specifically sulfur monochloride (S2Cl2) and thionyl chloride (SOCl2), and the impacts of pre-irradiation on the chlorination yield/chemical dissolution of surrogate aluminum alloy 6061 (AA6061-T6) materials.

38 - RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCL↗

Evaluation of the Radioactive Material Release in the Harborview Research and Training Building and Implications for Emergency Response

On May 2, 2019, during the 137 Cs source recovery operation, a source capsule in a research irradiator containing approximately 77.1 TBq was breached. Based on a geometric reconstruction analysis of the damage to the capsule, approximately 46.3 GBq (0.04%) was impacted by the chop saw (grinder) inside a Mobile Hot Cell (MHC) on the loading dock at the University of Washington Harborview Research and Training (HRT) Building. A very small fraction of the material impacted, less than 1%) was released from the Mobile Hot Cell and then to the rest of the HRT Building. The objectives of this project were to assess the accidental release of 137 CsCl and its implications related to emergency response methods and the ramifications of 137 CsCl transport. The phenomenology of this event was also compared with past alkali halide dispersal events. The vast number of measurements and samples collected by the remediation contractors, the Department of Energy's Nuclear Emergency Support Team, and the small number of retrospective samples collected by the authors informed the analysis. The techniques included (1) autoradiography and electron microscopy of samples collected from the HRT Building and the irradiator, (2) 3D visualization of deposition on surfaces and within the ventilation system, and (3) a study of the damage to the source capsule to evaluate the Cs particle size and particle composition due to the grinding accident. Subsequently, the cesium contaminant transport through the numerous pathways in the building was reconstructed to assess the deposition on surfaces as a function of particle size. The implications for emergency response are relevant to data quality and management. A Data Quality Objective (DQO) guides data collection methods so that they have appropriate accuracy and precision for the intended application. Recommendations were made with respect to the sample collection protocols and sample archival.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Comparative evaluation of analogue front-end designs for the CMS Inner Tracker at the High Luminosity LHC

The CMS Inner Tracker, made of silicon pixel modules, will be entirely replaced prior to the start of the High Luminosity LHC period. One of the crucial components of the new Inner Tracker system is the readout chip, being developed by the RD53 Collaboration, and in particular its analogue front-end, which receives the signal from the sensor and digitizes it. Three different analogue front-ends (Synchronous, Linear, and Differential) were designed and implemented in the RD53A demonstrator chip. A dedicated evaluation program was carried out to select the most suitable design to build a radiation tolerant pixel detector able to sustain high particle rates with high efficiency and a small fraction of spurious pixel hits. The test results showed that all three analogue front-ends presented strong points, but also limitations. The Differential front-end demonstrated very low noise, but the threshold tuning became problematic after irradiation. Moreover, a saturation in the preamplifier feedback loop affected the return of the signal to baseline and thus increased the dead time. The Synchronous front-end showed very good timing performance, but also higher noise. For the Linear front-end all of the parameters were within specification, although this design had the largest time walk. This limitation was addressed and mitigated in an improved design. The analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the three front-ends in the context of the CMS Inner Tracker operation requirements led to the selection of the improved design Linear front-end for integration in the final CMS readout chip.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Technetium-99M generator for enriched molybdenum

A method for separating a parent isotope from a daughter isotope is provided, the method comprising supplying irradiated target; dissolving the irradiated target; treating the dissolved irradiated target to a precipitation step to form a first solid phase of the parent isotope and a first liquid phase of the daughter isotope; filtering the first liquid phase of daughter isotope to create a first purified fraction of the daughter isotope to create a second solid phase of the parent isotope and a second liquid phase of the daughter isotope; and filtering the second liquid phase to create a second liquid fraction of the daughter isotope. The process can be repeated until the 99 Mo is exhausted and the enriched target material 98 Mo or 100 Mo can be easily re-used.

Brown, Michael A.↗