Linking Microstructure to Neutron Irradiation Defects in Advanced Manufacture of Steels

英国即将进入核能的新时代。考虑到许多燃煤电厂即将关闭以达到商定的二氧化碳排放限制，新建核电站变得越来越重要。因此，下一代核反应堆的设计、建造和维护必须以结构材料老化和退化的新研究为基础。小型模块化反应堆是英国核能市场（裂变反应堆）复兴战略的核心。反应堆压力容器是核裂变反应堆的关键部件。小型模块化反应堆的研究为开发新型制造方法提供了一个明确的机会，可以制造反应堆压力容器（RPV）的关键部件，从而直接提高这些安全关键部件的整体寿命。因此，RPV钢的长期稳定性、强度和韧性对发电行业至关重要。这项研究是合作项目的一部分，与帝国理工学院，CCFE和曼彻斯特大学的合作伙伴，以及工业合作伙伴国家核实验室，劳斯莱斯和ANSTO（澳大利亚）合作，以表征中子辐照诱导的RPV钢中的溶质聚集。具体来说，在这个项目中，原子探针断层扫描（APT）表征将用于中子辐照RPV钢的研究。APT是一种尖端的显微技术，可以对钢的微观结构进行三维、原子-原子成像，为镍-锰-硅溶质团簇的形成和演化以及由此产生的脆化的基本机制提供了独特的见解。用于APT分析的标本将通过聚焦离子束（FIB）技术制备。活性标本将使用CCFE的设施进行制备。APT分析将与合作伙伴密切合作，进行互补的高分辨率显微镜（曼彻斯特），机械测试（ANSTO）和辐射损伤建模研究（帝国）。该项目还将纳入新工艺对这些钢材辐照损伤发展的影响以及受极端裂变反应堆条件影响的焊接部分的性能。该项目直接解决了EPSRC的主题，能源和制造业的未来。它还直接有助于EPSRC优先领域，如：核裂变，材料表征和结构完整性和材料行为。主题：能源工程，制造未来，物理科学，研究基础设施

The UK is about to embark upon a new era of nuclear power. This nuclear new build has become increasingly important, given the impending shutdown of many coal-fired stations to meet agreed CO2 emission limits. Thus, the design, build and maintenance of next generation nuclear reactors must be underpinned by new research into ageing and degradation of the structural materials. Small modular reactors lie at the heart of a UK strategy to target a renaissance in the nuclear market, in fission reactors. The reactor pressure vessel is a critical component of a nuclear fission reactor. Small modular reactors research represents a clear opportunity for the development of novel manufacturing methods to fabricate key aspects of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) that will directly improve the overall lifetime of these safety critical components. Hence, the long-term stability, strength and toughness of RPV steels are of vital importance for the power-generating industry. This research is part of collaborative project, with partners at Imperial College, CCFE and the University of Manchester, and industrial partners Nation Nuclear Laboratory, Rolls Royce and ANSTO (Australia), to characterise neutron irradiation-induced solute clustering in RPV steels. Specifically in this project, atom probe tomography (APT) characterisation will be used in the study of neutron irradiated RPV steels. APT is a cutting edge microscopy technique enabling a three-dimensional, atom-by-atom imaging of the steel microstructure, providing unique insight into the still poorly understood fundamental mechanisms of Nickel-Manganese-Silicon solute cluster formation and evolution and the resulting embrittlement. Specimens for APT analysis will be prepared via focussed ion beam (FIB) techniques. Active specimens will be prepared using facilities at the CCFE. APT analysis will be in close collaboration partners undertaking complementary high-resolution microscopy (Manchester), mechanical testing (ANSTO) and modelling studies (Imperial) of radiation damage. The project will also incorporate the effect of new processing on the development of irradiation damage in these steels and the performance of welded sections subject to the extreme fission reactor conditions. The project directly addresses the EPSRC themes, Energy and Manufacturing the Future. It also directly contributes to EPSRC priority areas such as: Nuclear Fission, Materials Characterisation and Structural Integrity and Materials Behaviour. Themes:EnergyEngineeringManufacturing the futurePhysical sciencesResearch infrastructure