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

在核反应堆的真实环境中，结构材料必须承受显著的应力水平。研究发现，在辐照下，材料会发生塑性变形，导致尺寸变化和凹陷。本项目旨在评估与核反应堆堆芯实际工作环境相同的弹性应力水平下材料缺陷率和生长行为及机制。全面的研究将有助于更好地理解(1)辐照诱发蠕变，导致尺寸变化和凹陷，以及(2)微观裂纹形成导致材料过早破坏。在本项目中，我们将结合透射电子显微镜（TEM）原位技术和分子动力学（MD）模拟，建立辐照诱导的纳米缺陷与其诱导的核材料蠕变和尺寸生长之间的内在关系。研究结果将为寻找修复辐射损伤的材料提供有益的依据，并将指导未来核材料的开发。此外，由于这个项目，我们将为新一代核工程师提供高水平的HQP培训。

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.