Postdoctoral Fellowship: MPS-Ascend: Radiation Behavior of Complexion Containing Nanocrystalline Metals

全球能源需求的增长推动了对清洁能源的需求;下一代核反应堆有望通过作为稳定、高产、低排放的能源来满足这一需求。此外，预测这些下一代核反应堆的极端内部条件已经导致对能够承受高温、机械应力和辐射损伤的新型金属合金的开发的相当大的兴趣。该提案正在探索一类新的金属合金的行为，称为含络合物的合金，由于其独特的结构，在高温和辐射下具有特殊的稳定性。尖端的显微镜技术被用来检查辐射引起的结构变化，并确定在下一代核反应堆的极端环境中使用含络合物合金的可行性。此外，该项目还包括社区参与的机会，例如参与本科生项目的研究经验，与加州大学圣巴巴拉现有项目的合作，这些项目迎合了STEM中代表性不足的社区的学生，以及开发一个网站，为移民学生传播教育资源，本项目探索了在新型纳米晶含络合物合金中控制热稳定性和辐射耐受性的基本机制。有针对性的离子辐照研究加上原位测试工具，在高分辨率透射电子显微镜被用来调查离子辐照引起的损害对肤色的影响和随后的影响，材料性能表现出的过程中，和后，照射。拟议研究的目标是：（a）设计和产生含有配位体的模型纳米晶体合金，（B）探测辐照前后作为温度和剂量的函数的微结构变化，以探索辐照缺陷对配位体行为的影响，和（c）利用一套原位辐照，加热，和机械测试技术，通过实时可视化来了解潜在的机制。除了其研究工作，该提案还通过本科阶段的辅导机会，K-12学校的教育计划，以及为移民学生/研究人员提供教育资源，为STEM领域代表性不足的社区扩大机会。特别关注美国和巴西之间的教育和研究途径。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并被认为是通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARYGrowing energy demands worldwide have driven a need for clean energy sources; next-generation nuclear reactors promise to fulfill this need by serving as a stable, high production energy source with low emissions. Furthermore, the extreme internal conditions predicted for these next-generation nuclear reactors have led to considerable interest in the development of novel metal alloys capable of withstanding high temperatures, mechanical stresses, and radiation damage. This proposal is exploring the behavior of a new class of metal alloys, called complexion-containing alloys, that promise exceptional stability under high temperatures and radiation due to their unique structure. Cutting-edge microscopy techniques are being utilized to examine the structural changes caused by radiation and determine the feasibility of using complexion-containing alloys within the extreme environment of next-generation nuclear reactors. In addition, this project incorporates opportunities for community engagement, such as participation in Research Experiences for Undergraduates Programs, collaborations with existing programs at the University of California, Santa Barbara that cater to students from underrepresented communities in STEM, and the development of a website for disseminating education resources for immigrant student/researchers.TECHNICAL SUMMARYThis project explores the fundamental mechanisms that govern thermal stability and radiation tolerance in novel nanocrystalline complexion-containing alloys. Targeted ion irradiation studies coupled with in-situ testing tools in high-resolution transmission electron microscopes are being utilized to investigate the influence of ion irradiation induced damage on complexions and the subsequent implications for material properties exhibited during, and post-, irradiation. The objectives of the proposed research are: (a) design and create a model nanocrystalline alloy containing complexions, (b) probe microstructural changes pre- and post-irradiation as a function of temperature and dose to explore the influence of radiation defects on complexion behavior, and (c) utilize a suite of in-situ irradiation, heating, and mechanical testing techniques to develop an understanding of the underlying mechanisms through real-time visualization. In addition to its research endeavors, this proposal is expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities in STEM fields through mentoring opportunities at the undergraduate level, education programs for K-12 schools, and providing educational resources for immigrant student/researchers, with a particular focus on expanding educational and research pathways between the U.S. and Brazil.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.