| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2023 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Ceramic Materials for Nuclear Energy Research and Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Microstructural Characterization of Neutron Irradiated Concrete Minerals |
| Author(s) |
David David Arregui-Mena, Ippei Maruyama, Matheus A Tunes, Elena Tajuelo Rodriguez, Christa E Torrence, Thomas M Rosseel, Yann Le Pape, Philip D Edmondson |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
David David Arregui-Mena |
| Abstract Scope |
One of the most critical structural and safety components of Light Water Reactors, known as biological shield, is formed by a concrete structure. A typical biological shield is subjected to several degradation mechanisms and environmental conditions that promote the deterioration of this structure's mechanical properties and integrity. When subjected to neutron irradiation, most concrete aggregates experience a gradual volumetric expansion produced by the amorphization of the minerals that form the aggregates. Specifically, neutron irradiation-induced volumetric expansion in aggregates depends upon the content of neutron irradiation-sensitive minerals such as quartz or certain silicates. This research used a combination of advanced microscopy techniques to characterize the cracking induced by neutron irradiation. The results of this research show a correlation between the presence of quartz and cracking in different mineral compositions. This research is the first visual evidence of neutron-induced damage generated by neutron irradiation. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Ceramics, Nuclear Materials, Other |