Engineering Commons^™

Development Of A Mechanistic Understanding Of High-Temperature Deformation Of Alloy Ep-823, Ajit K. Roy, Brendan O'Toole

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

During the transmutation process, a significant amount of heat can be generated in a molten lead-bismuth-eutectic (LBE) target, which will be contained in a subsystem structural container made of a suitable martensitic iron-chromium-molbdenum (Fe-Cr-Mo) stainless steel such as Alloys EP-823, HT-9 and 422. These materials will be subjected to high tensile stresses while they are in contact with the molten LBE at temperatures ranging between 400 and 600^oC. Therefore, a research program was conducted to evaluate the deformation characteristics of all three alloys in properly heat-treated conditions at temperatures relevant to the operating conditions.

Developing A Sensing System For The Measurement Of Oxygen Concentration In Liquid Pb-Bi Eutectic, Yingtao Jiang, Bingmei Fu

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Although liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is a good candidate for the coolant that can be employed in a subcritical transmutation blanket, it is known to be very corrosive to stainless steel, the material used in the containment structure. To mitigate this problem, trace levels of oxygen can be introduced into the system, causing the formation of a protective oxide layer at the interface between the LBE and steel. The proper formation of this oxide layer largely depends on the accurate measurement and subsequent control of the oxygen concentration in liquid LBE.

Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) oxygen sensors, using molten bismuth …

Use Of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy For Stress-Strain Measurements, Ajit K. Roy

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Engineering metals and alloys, when subjected to tensile loading beyond a limiting value, undergo plastic deformation resulting in lattice defects such as voids and dislocations. These imperfections interact with the crystal lattice, producing a higher state of internal stress, also known as residual stress, which can be associated with reduced ductility. Residual stresses are also generated in welded structures due to rapid solidification and resultant dissimilar metallurgical microstructures between the weld and the base metals. Development of these internal stresses is often influenced by incompatible permanent strain resulting from thermal and mechanical operations associated with welding and plastic deformation. These …

Fundamental And Applied Experimental Investigations Of Corrosion Of Steel By Lbe Under Controlled Conditions: Kinetics, Chemistry Morphology, And Surface Preparation, John Farley, Allen L. Johnson, Dale L. Perry

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Advanced nuclear processes such the transmutation of nuclear waste, fast reactors, and spallation neutron sources require advanced materials systems to contain them. In particular, a successful program in nuclear waste processing that includes transmutation in accelerator-driven systems and fast reactors requires structural materials that are stable in the presence of non-moderating coolants. A prime candidate for such a coolant is Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE).

Materials in these systems must be able to tolerate high neutron fluxes, high temperatures, and chemical corrosion. For LBE systems, there is an additional challenge because the corrosive behaviors of materials in lead bismuth are not …

Effect Of Silicon Content On The Corrosion Resistance And Radiation- Induced Embrittlement Of Materials For Advanced Heavy Liquid Metal Nuclear Systems, Ajit K. Roy

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

This task is focused on the evaluation of the effect of Si content on the corrosion behavior and radiation-induced embrittlement of martensitic steels having chemical compositions similar to that of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel. Numerous state-of-the-art experimental techniques are currently being planned to be employed to achieve the desired research goal.

Theoretical Modeling Of Protective Oxide Layer Growth In Non-Isothermal Lead Alloy Coolant Systems, Yitung Chen, Jinsuo Zhang, Huajun Chen, Jichun Li

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

In advanced nuclear energy systems, lead-alloys (e.g., lead, lead bismuth eutectic) emerge as strong candidates for transmutation and advanced reactor systems as nuclear coolants and high-power spallation neutron targets. However, it is widely recognized that corrosion of materials caused by lead-alloys presents a critical barrier to their industrial use. A few experimental research and development projects have been set up by different groups such as LANL to study the corrosion phenomena in their test facilities and to develop mitigation techniques and materials.

The goal of the proposed research project is to provide basic understanding of the protective oxide layer behaviors …

Corrosion Barrier Development For Lbe Corrosion Resistance, Biswajit Das

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

In the last quarter, a specialized sample holder was developed for the anodization of alumina on steel. In addition, it was determined that oxalic acid was the most appropriate acid for the anodization of these structures. The steel samples obtained from LANL were first cut into a number of pieces, each measuring 11mm x 8mm x 1.6mm, to allow multiple experiments. Special care was taken to ensure that the cutting process did not damage the samples. After investigation of several techniques, including laser cutting, the samples were cut using EDM wires. The cut steel pieces did not show any damage …

Corrosion Barrier Development For Lbe Corrosion Resistance: Quaterly Report, Biswajit Das

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

With the demonstration of formation of nanoporous alumina on steel and its good adhesion to substrate under thermal cycling, the next project task was to synthesize Chromium nanowires inside the alumina pores. During the previous quarter, a specialized sample holder was developed towards this goal. Various techniques for the deposition of Chromium were investigated and electro-deposition was determined to be the most suitable approach due to the large aspect ratio of the pores. A challenge in using electro-deposition for porous alumina is the potential sealing of the pores in aqueous solutions at higher temperatures. To avoid this problem, a search …

Development Of Nanostructure Based Corrosion-Barrier Coatings On Steel For Transmutation Applications, Biswajit Das

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Advanced transmutation systems require structural materials that are able to withstand high neutron fluxes, high thermal cycling, and high resistance to chemical corrosion. The current candidate materials for such structures are ferritic and ferritic-martensitic steels due to their strong resistance to swelling, good microstructural stability under irradiation, and the retention of adequate ductility at typical reactor operating temperatures.

In parallel, lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) has emerged as a potential spallation target material for efficient production of neutrons, as well as a coolant in the accelerator system. While LBE has excellent properties as a nuclear coolant, it is also highly corrosive …

Neutron Multiplicity Measurements Of Target/Blanket Materials, Denis Beller

Transmutation Sciences Physics (TRP)

To optimize the performance of accelerator-driven sub-critical (ADS) transmutation systems, engineers will need to design the system to operate with a neutron multiplication factor just less than that of a critical, or self-sustaining, system. This design criterion requires particle transport codes that instill the highest level of confidence with minimal uncertainty, because larger uncertainties in the codes require larger safety margins in the design and result in a lower efficiency of the ADS transmuter. For current design efforts in the U.S., a Monte Carlo particle transport code MCNPX is used to model neutron production and transport for spallation neutron systems. …

Development Of A Systems Engineering Model Of The Chemical Separations Process, Yitung Chen, Darrell Pepper, Sean Hsieh

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The chemical processing of used nuclear fuel is an integral component of any strategy for the transmutation of nuclear waste. Due to the large volume of material that must be handled in this first step of the transmutation process, the efficiency of the separations process is a key factor in the potential economic viability of transmutation strategies. The ability to optimize the chemical separation systems is vital to ensure the feasibility of the transmutation program.

Systems analysis, or total systems modeling, is one of the strongest tools available to researchers for understanding and optimizing complex systems such as chemical separations …

Nuclear Criticality, Shielding, And Thermal Analyses Of Separations Processes For The Transmutation Fuel Cycle, William Culbreth, Denis Beller

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The first step in any transmutation strategy is the separation of radionuclides in used nuclear fuel. The current separation strategy supporting the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) program is based on the use of a solvent extraction separation process to separate the actinides, fission products, and uranium from used commercial nuclear fuel, and on the use of pyrochemical separation technologies to process used transmuter fuels. To separate the fission products and transuranic elements from the uranium in used fuel, the national program is developing a new solvent extraction process, the Uranium Extraction Plus, or UREX+, process based on the traditional …

Development, Fabrication And Study Of Fullerene-Containing Carbon Material (Fcc) For Immobilization Of Iodine: Progress Report #1-4, Michael Savopulo, Boris E. Burakov

Separations Campaign (TRP)

During current reporting period the experiments on synthesis of ceramic-like material by conversion of iodine-doped FCC and activated carbon to Si_xC_y have been completed. Cold pressed granules of FCC and activated carbon were rinsed in water-ethanol solution of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), Si(OC₂H₅)₄, and then used for further synthesis. All new samples obtained have been studied using precise powder XRD analysis.

Development Of Integrated Process Simulation System Model For Spent Fuel Treatment Facility (Sftf) Design, Yitung Chen, Sean Hsieh

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The major objective is to create a framework that combines all the strengths of AMUSE’s complicated calculations, well established commercial system process package such as ASPENPLUS, HYSYS and PRO/II and TRPSEMPro’s flexible parameter optimization modules. Development of the process simulation code can be done using the solvent extraction process experience at Argonne National Laboratory and in collaboration with the NCACM.

The major activities of the task are the following:

• Develop a framework for simulating the SFTF process using AMUSE code, commercial process package, such as ASPEN- PLUS, and system engineering model.
• Develop a middleware package that can communicate between the …

Fundamental Chemistry Of U And Pu In The Tbp-Dodecane-Nitric Acid System: Quarterly Report, Kenneth Czerwinski, Cynthia-May Gong, Amber Wright

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The speciation of hexavalent U and tetravalent Pu will be examined in the TBPdodecane- nitric acid systems. This topic is chosen based on data needs for separation modeling identified by the AFCI. Emphasis will be placed on studying the influence of nitrate and acetohydroxamic acid on U and Pu speciation as well as conditions where a third phase forms in the organic phase. The organic phase will be 30 % TBP in dodecane. Equal volumes of aqueous and organic phase will be used. The speciation of the actinides in the aqueous and organic phase will be determined by a number …

Design And Evaluation Of Processes For Fuel Fabrication, Georg F. Mauer

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

The goal of this research project was to provide technical support to process designers working on the development of the fuel cycles for transmutation applications. Detailed process models were developed to better define the impact of fuel choice on the transmuter fuel cycle, including relative process losses, waste generation, and plant capital cost. These process models provide insight regarding required plant size and number of plants needed to mesh with the fuel recycling line. They also determine requirements for automation.

Manufacturing models for large-scale production in a hot cell environment were also developed. Combined, these two models allow the assessment …

Interaction Between Metal Fission Products And Triso Coating Materials: A Study Of Chemical Bonding And Interdiffusion: 2nd Quarter Report, 2005, Clemens Heske

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

The goal of our project is to investigate interface corrosion processes in TRISO nuclear fuel particles. For this purpose, we are undertaking a detailed study of the interface formation between potential candidates for metallic fission products (Pd, Ag, and Cs), likely to diffuse from the kernel of the TRISO particles, with the TRISO coating layers. As a starting point, we are investigating the Pd/SiC interface and will extend our studies to Ag/SiC during our current summer research campaign. The experimental approach comprises the preparation of metal/SiC interfaces in-situ in our ultra-high vacuum system by electron-beam deposition. In order to understand …

Interaction Between Metal Fission Products And Triso Coating Materials: A Study Of Chemical Bonding And Interdiffusion: 1st Quarter Report, 2005, Clemens Heske

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

In this project we utilize a combination of state-of-the-art soft X-ray spectroscopies to understand the chemical bonding between metal fission products (Pd and Ag) with coating layers in TRISO fuel particles (SiC and pyrocarbon). We are primarily focusing on an analysis of intermediate chemical phases at the interface, the intermixing/diffusion behavior, and the electronic interface structure as a function of material choice (metal and coating materials), temperature, and external stress. In the current first project year, we are beginning these investigations with the Pd/SiC interface, as discussed in the previous two quarterly reports. Our first experiments (both using our lab …

Interaction Between Metal Fission Products And Triso Coating Materials, Clemens Heske

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

The goal of this project is to elucidate the chemical bonding and interface formation of metal fission products with the coating materials used in state-of-the-art TRISO fuel particles. Particular emphasis is placed on an analysis of intermediate chemical phases at the interface, the intermixing/diffusion behavior, and the electronic interface structure as a function of material choice (metal and coating materials), temperature, and external stress. Furthermore, the chemical state of some of the metal fission products will be assessed.

This project studies the interface formation of Pd, Ag, and Cs with SiC and pyrolytic carbon. Using the TRISO coating materials (and …

Design Concepts And Process Analysis For Transmuter Fuel Manufacturing, Georg F. Mauer

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

The safe and effective manufacturing of actinide-bearing fuels for any transmutation strategy requires that the entire manufacturing process be contained within a shielded hot cell environment. To ensure that the fabrication process is feasible, the entire process must be designed for remote operation. The equipment must be reliable enough to perform over several decades, and also easy to maintain or repair remotely. The facility must also be designed to facilitate its own decontamination and decommissioning. In addition to these design factors, the potential viability of any fuel fabrication process will also be impacted by a number of variables, such as …

Theoretical Modeling Of Protective Oxide Layer Growth In Non-Isothermal Lead-Alloys Coolant Systems, Yitung Chen

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

The goal of the proposed research project is to provide basic understanding of the protective oxide layer behaviors and to develop oxide layer growth models of steels in non-isothermal lead-alloys (lead or lead-bismuth eutectic) coolant systems. It is widely recognized that the corrosiveness of the lead-alloys is a critical obstacle and challenge for which it can be safely used or applied in the nuclear coolant systems. Active oxygen control technique can promote the formation of the “self-healing” oxide films on the structural material surface, drastically reducing steel corrosion and coolant contamination. Many experiments of steels exposed to flowing lead-alloys have …

Development Of Integrated Process Simulation System Model For Spent Fuel Treatment Facility (Sftf) Design: Quarterly Report October 1-December 31, 2004, Yitung Chen, Sean Hsieh

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) and Transmutation Research Program- University Participation Program (TRP-UPP) supported by Department of Energy of the United States have been developing many important technologies for the transmutation of nuclear waste to address long-term disposal issues. While successfully embedding AMUSE module into a dedicated System Engineering Model (TRPSEMPro), developed by the Nevada Center for Advanced Computational Methods (NCACM) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas collaborating with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), ANL is interested in further simulating the Light Water Reactor (LWR) Spent Fuel Treatment Facility (SFTF) combining commercial process simulation and analysis packages and core …

Neutron Multiplicity Measurements For The Afci Program Quarterly Progress Report September-December 2004, Denis Beller

Transmutation Sciences Physics (TRP)

The U.S. Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) is a program to develop economic and environmental methods to reduce the impact of waste from commercial nuclear fuel cycles. One concept for near-complete destruction of waste isotopes from used nuclear fuel is accelerator driven transmutation. High-power accelerators would be used to produce high-energy charged particles, which then collide with heavy metal targets to create a cascade of neutrons. These neutrons then cause a nuclear chain reaction in subcritical systems. Fission neutrons then transmute fissile waste isotopes as well as other problematic isotopes such as technetium-99 and iodine-129. To design these systems, complex …

Fundamental And Applied Experimental Investigations Of Corrosion Of Steel By Lbe Under Controlled Conditions: Kinetics, Chemistry, Morphology, And Surface Preparation: Quarterly Report (October-December 2004), Allen L. Johnson, John Farley, Dale L. Perry

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

This project has four components:

(1) the fabrication of a materials test apparatus with unique capabilities,

(2) comparative studies of steel corrosion under gas phase conditions comparable to the Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) oxygen control conditions,

(3) isotope labeling studies, and

(4) collaborative efforts with other workers in the field.

Development Of A Mechanistic Understanding Of High-Temperature Deformation Of Alloy Ep-823 For Transmutation Applications: Final Progress Report (September 2003 – August 2004), Ajit K. Roy, Brendan O'Toole

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

The purpose of this task is to evaluate the tensile properties of three martensitic alloys namely, Alloys EP-823, HT-9 and 422 at temperatures relevant to the transmutation processes. Testing has been performed to evaluate the tensile properties of all three alloys at temperatures ranging from ambient to 600^°C. The test materials were thermally-treated (quenched and tempered) prior to the evaluation of their tensile properties. The deformation characteristics of these tensile specimens, upon completion of testing, were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Efforts were also made to identify and characterize defects such as dislocations using transmission electron microscopy …

Use Of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy For Stress-Strain Measurements: Quarterly Progress Report (June 01 – August 31, 2004), Ajit K. Roy

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Highlights of Test Results:

• Residual stress measurements by the RC method on cold-worked specimens showed tensile residual stresses in austenitic stainless steel. However, compressive residual stresses were observed in martensitic stainless steel. This difference may be attributed to the difference in metallurgical phases and microstructures resulting from different thermal treatments imparted to them.

• Residual stress measurements by both ND and RC techniques on welded specimens showed similar patterns. Welded specimens consisting of similar material showed tensile residual stresses in the vicinity of the fusion line (FL). However, welded specimens consisting of dissimilar materials (austenitic and martensitic stainless steel …

Lean Energy Analysis: Identifying, Discovering And Tracking Energy Savings Potential, J. Kelly Kissock, John Seryak

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Energy in manufacturing facilities is used for direct production of goods, space conditioning, and general facility support such as lighting. This paper presents a methodology, called lean energy analysis, LEA, for graphically and statistically analyzing plant energy use in terms of these major end uses.

The LEA methodology uses as few as 60 easily obtainable data points. Multivariable change-point models of electricity and natural gas use as functions of outdoor air temperature and production data are developed. The statistical models are used to subdivide plant energy use into facility, space-conditioning and production-related components.

These breakdowns suggest the savings potential from …

Dissolution, Reactor, And Environmental Behavior Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuel Matrix: Neutronic Evaluation Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuels, E. Fridman, A. Galperin, E. Shwageraus

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

Second task of the BGU part of “Dissolution, Reactor, and Environmental Behavior of ZrO₂-MgO Inert Fuel Matrix” project aims at evaluation of the fertile free fuel matrix composition effect on the fuel reactivity and corresponding reactivity limited burnup. Fertile free fuel with different MgO to ZrO₂ ratio in the matrix will require different PuO₂ loading in order to assure certain fuel cycle length. This is due to the fact that absorption cross section of Zr is slightly higher than that of Mg, although absorption in both of these elements is small compared to Pu. Therefore, the …

Developing A Sensing System For The Measurement Of Oxygen Concentration In Liquid Pb-Bi Eutectic: Quarterly Progress Report (July 1 – Sept. 30, 2004), Yingtao Jiang, Bingmei Fu

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Dr. Jiang Ma and Mr. Xiaolong Wu worked in LANL between July 1 and Sept. 15 to conduct the experiment. Test of the corrosion of different materials in LBE was performed. The influence of the process of gas introduction to the LBE was studied. Data analysis work was performed based on accumulated data. In the same time, progress has been made in the simulation for transport in oxygen mixing, and one paper was presented in a conference. Another paper was composed and submitted to IEEE International Symposium of Circuits and Systems for the track Chemical Sensors. Preparation of a paper …

Development Of A Systems Engineering Model Of The Chemical Separations Process: Final Report, Yitung Chen, Sean Hsieh

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The whole chemical separation process is complex to the point that definitely requires certain level of systematic coordination. To perform smoothly and meet the target extraction rates among those processes, this research proposed a general-purpose systems engineering model.

A general purposed systems engineering model, Transmutation Research Program System Engineering Model Project (TRPSEMPro), was developed based on the above design concept. The system model includes four main parts: System Manager, Model Integration, Study Plan, and Solution Viewer. TRPSEMPro can apply not only to chemical separation process, but also a general system model.

Software engineering and Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOA&D) …