| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2023 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Ceramic Materials for Nuclear Energy Research and Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Exploring Irradiation-induced Phase Evolution in WC |
| Author(s) |
Charles A. Hirst, Diana Shklover, Paola Amadeo, Scott Middlemas, Samuel Humphry-Baker, Michael P. Short |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Charles A. Hirst |
| Abstract Scope |
Understanding defect production and phase evolution mechanisms in irradiated ceramics is critical for their deployment in both advanced fission and fusion reactors. WC is one such candidate material, proposed for fusion magnet shielding, and as a result must demonstrate its ability to withstand irradiation without degradation. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) of ion-irradiated WC reveals the surprising presence of the high-temperature cubic phase at room temperature. Nanoindentation measures a corresponding decrease in hardness and reduced modulus, and Transient Grating Spectroscopy (TGS) also reports a decrease in thermal diffusivity. These experiments are interpreted to uncover the mechanisms behind the degradation of nuclear ceramics in-service and will inform choices about the design of future fission and fusion reactors. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Ceramics, Characterization |