| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2022 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Advanced Characterization and Modeling of Nuclear Fuels: Microstructure, Thermo-physical Properties
|
| Presentation Title |
Correlative APT-TEM Investigation of Defects’ Influence on Thermal Diffusivity in ThO2 Nuclear Fuel |
| Author(s) |
Amrita Sen, Mukesh Bachhav, Cody A Dennett, James M Mann, Janelle Wharry |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Amrita Sen |
| Abstract Scope |
The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of irradiation and chemical doping on the thermal properties of model ceramic oxide nuclear fuel ThO2. Phonon-mediated thermal transport is key to the performance, efficiency, and safety of nuclear fuels. But the relationship between irradiation, microstructure, and thermal transport, in oxide fuels is not yet well understood. In this study, we investigate these mechanisms through correlative atom probe tomography (APT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Preliminary APT studies of proton irradiated ThO2 show that small-scale off-stoichiometry, doping, and extended irradiation-induced defects alter the thermal tails of APT spectra, from which the influence on thermal diffusivity can be ascertained. Coupling APT with correlative TEM will verify the influence of specific microstructural features. Complementary Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results will also be presented. Implications of findings on ceramic nuclear fuel efficiency and performance will be discussed. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Characterization, Nuclear Materials, Ceramics |