Investigation of irradiation induced creep and growth by using stressed in-situ irradiation correlated to computer simulation

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In the real environment of nuclear reactors, structural materials have to withstand significant stress levels. It has been observed that under irradiation plastic deformation may occur, leading to dimensional change and sag. This project is aiming at evaluating material defect yields and growth behaviors and mechanisms under an elastic stress level equal to that found in real working environments of nuclear reactor cores. The comprehensive investigation will provide better understanding of (1) irradiation-induced creep, leading to dimensional changes and sag, and of (2) micro-level crack formation leading to premature failure of the materials. In this project we are going to combine transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in-situ techniques and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, to establish the intrinsic relationship between irradiation induced nano defects and its induced creep and dimensional growth of nuclear materials. Results will provide useful ground to find materials remedy to radiation damage and will guide the exploration of future nuclear materials. In addition, thanks to this project, we will provide a high level of HQP training for the new generation of nuclear engineers.