Correlating the evolution of atomic-scale microstructure with deterioration of mechanical properties in T91 steel samples from the BOR60 reactor

T91钢是核聚变和裂变核反应堆高剂量结构部件的有前途的候选材料。然而，为了预测组件的安全运行寿命，还需要更好地了解在反应堆内极端温度和辐照条件下原子尺度微观结构的演变，并将其与机械性能的恶化联系起来。许多这样的研究依赖于使用离子束辐照作为中子的替代品，以促进更大范围的剂量和温度效应。通过消除放射性问题，这条路线还可以实现安全处理，使用更广泛的表征设备，并显着降低成本。然而，在许多情况下，人们仍然不清楚离子辐照能在多大程度上模拟中子辐照的效果，而且，如何更精确地重现特定反应堆剂量和温度引起的损害。该项目将结合原子探针断层扫描提供的三维原子尺度显微镜和先进的微力学测试技术，研究俄罗斯BOR60快堆的一组样品的辐射暴露影响。将对一组系统双离子束辐照样品进行补充表征，以测试其模拟BOR-60反应堆辐照的有效性。这项研究将与UKAEA、密歇根大学和橡树岭国家实验室的合作伙伴合作进行。该项目属于EPSRC能源研究领域。

T91 steel is a promising candidate material for high-dose structural components in both fusion and fission nuclear reactors. However, a better understanding of how the atomic-scale microstructure evolves under the extreme temperature and irradiation conditions within the reactor and correlating this to the deterioration of mechanical properties, is still needed to predict safe operating lifetimes of the component. Many such investigations rely upon the use of ion beam irradiation as a surrogate for neutrons to facilitate a wider range of dose and temperature effects. By eliminating issues around the radioactivity, this route also enables safe handling, access to a broader range characterisation equipment and significantly reduces costs.However, in many cases it remains unclear how well ion irradiation can actually simulate the effects of neutron irradiation, and moreover, how it can be more precisely refined to reproduce damage induced by specific reactor doses and temperatures. This project will combine the 3D atomic-scale microscopy provided by atom probe tomography with advanced micro-mechanical testing techniques to investigate the effects of irradiation exposure in a set of samples from the BOR60 fast reactor in Russia. Complementary characterisation will be undertaken on a sets of systematically dual ion beam irradiated samples to test their effectiveness to mimic the irradiation induced in the BOR-60 reactor. The research will be undertaken in collaboration with partners at the UKAEA, University of Michigan and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This project falls within the EPSRC Energy research area.