Rapid, Ultra-Sensitive Assessment of Elemental and Isotopic Compositions of Materials in Extreme Radiation Environments
Abstract
This report presents research conducted by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to investigate material properties responsible for extending the lifetimes of nuclear reactor components and enhancing their performance and safety. This report contains experimental and modelling results from two complementary investigations of nuclear fuel cladding materials: Zircaloy-4 and aluminum metal. Aluminum metal was deuteronic radiated to produce neutron-capture and fission product analogs that could be spatially and depth-resolved using mass spectrometry. The trace actinide abundances (U, Th) in Zircaloy-4 were characterized, as were the predicted isotopic transmutations under reactor-scale neutron fluences. The combination of these irradiation and characterization techniques at NRL could allow for rapid-turnaround interrogations of neutron-capture and fission product analogs in reactor-relevant materials. This work will be followed by irradiation of Zircaloy-4 and analysis of the irradiatedZircaloy-4 and aluminum reaction products described herein. The continuation of these studies would also allow for fine-scale interrogation of heterogeneous power profiles within reactor cores and their effects on component longevity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 24, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1118525
Entities
People
- Andrew Gangidine
- David Willingham
- Evan E Groopman
- J. W. Schumer
- Stuart D. Jackson
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory