| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2022 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Advanced Characterization and Modeling of Nuclear Fuels: Microstructure, Thermo-physical Properties
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| Presentation Title |
The Influence of Radiation-induced Microstructural Defects on the Optical and Elastic Properties of Ceramic Nuclear Fuels |
| Author(s) |
Amey Rajendra Khanolkar, Zilong Hua, Cody A. Dennett, Joshua Ferrigno, Marat Khafizov, J. Matthew Mann, David H. Hurley |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Amey Rajendra Khanolkar |
| Abstract Scope |
A fundamental understanding of radiation effects on thermophysical properties is critical for the development of advanced nuclear fuels. In this talk, the impact of early-stage defect accumulation on the optical and elastic properties of single crystal thorium dioxide (ThO2) is explored. Lattice defects are seeded by irradiating the crystals with energetic protons. Changes in the optical properties brought about by point defects and color centers are probed using ellipsometry and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Depth-dependent opto-elastic changes arising from structural damage are measured using time-domain Brillouin scattering. Surface-confined elastic properties are further measured using a laser-induced transient grating method. The all-optical and non-destructive approach shows promise in quantifying the population of lattice defects in the early stages of damage accumulation that cannot be resolved conventional characterization techniques. Measurements of dose-dependent elastic property changes may also provide further insight into lattice swelling and enable validation of fuel performance model predictions. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Ceramics, Characterization |