3-D Analysis of TRISO Fuel Compacts via X-ray Computed Tomography
Low-enriched uranium oxycarbide (LEUCO) and surrogate tristructural isotropic (TRISO)- coated-particle compacts with particle volumetric packing fractions of 25%, 40%, and 48% were imaged utilizing X-ray-computed tomography. Subsequent 3D image analysis identified and further quantified kernel size, sphericity, and observed porosity. In addition, the spatial distribution, coordination number, and kernel-nearest neighbors were analyzed and compared for […]
Fission Product Distribution in Irradiated Safety-Tested and As-Irradiated AGR-2 TRISO Particles
Two tristructural isotropic (TRISO)-coated nuclear fuel particles were examined by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) as part of the Advanced Gas Reactor program. The compacts’ average irradiation temperatures ranged from approximately 1260 to 1290 °C. One particle was examined in the as-irradiated condition, while the other was subject to 1600 °C post-irradiation safety testing. This study […]
Micro- and Nano-techniques for the Study of Fission Product Precipitation in SiC Layer
The complexity of fission product distribution and composition within the SiC layer of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particles, irradiation effects on the SiC structure as well as the variable nature of metallic fission product release, has led to the exploration of multiple micro- and nano-characterization techniques. The fine scale of the fission product precipitates necessitates […]
Thermal Conductivity of Crack-Containing Media: A Numerical Study
The present study aims to evaluate the effective thermal conduction behavior of crack-containing media through micromechanical modeling. Numerical analyses were performed using the finite element method, first using periodic arrays of elliptical pores and then reducing the elliptical minor axis to reach the crack limit. This parametric approach was seen to be able to capture […]
Numerical Study of Effective Thermal Conductivity for Periodic Closed-Cell Porous Media
The present investigation aims to evaluate the thermal conduction behavior of closed-cell porous media through micromechanical modeling. Numerical analyses were conducted using the finite element method. The overall thermal conductivity of the model structures, encompassing a range of porosity and pore geometry were investigated. Attention is devoted to the effective response as a function of […]
Design, Manufacturing and Performance Considerations in Reactor System, Components and Materials
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is the national and global leader of the Department of Energy (DOE) ’s nuclear energy research, development, and demonstration programs. Developing critical design criteria of new advanced reactor systems, components and materials requires an understanding of fabrication and the irradiation environment during normal operating and accident conditions. Next generation researchers and […]
Understanding TRISO Coated Particle Neutron Irradiation Behavior:Evolution of Advanced Micro Analysis and Electron Microscopy Approaches
Objectives and motivation• Provide data for fuel qualification in support of reactor licensing• Establish a domestic commercial TRISO fuel fabrication capability Approach • Focus is on developing and testing UCO TRISO fuel –Develop fuel fabrication and QC measurement methods, first at lab scale and then at industrial scale –Perform irradiation testingover a range of conditions […]
Recent Advances of Thermal Barrier Coatings for Extreme Environments
Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are gaining tremendous research interest for protecting aircraft turbine blades, power plants, and other applications from high-temperature exposure. This opinion spotlights on those recent progresses that have directed to the use of TBCs for component life addition and, lately, as an essential part of advanced components design for high temperatures and […]
Advanced Electron Microscopy of TRISO coated Particles: FY2021 Overview
Objectives: Understanding Effects of Irradiation on TRISO layers Fission product chemistry and behavior in UCO kernel Identify and Understand Fission Product Transport Mechanisms in TRISO Coated Particles
Numerical study to predict the effect of surface roughness on the thermal and hydraulic performance of additively manufactured heat exchangers
Heat exchangers are used in many industries to transfer thermal energy between two or more objects with an associated thermal and hydraulic performance indicated by thermal effectiveness and pressure drop respectively. Many investigations have aimed to enhance the thermal effectiveness of heat exchangers by introducing turbulent flow inducers that increase the heat transfer rate at […]