2013 I-NERI Report PDF

DOE/NE-0145
International Nuclear
Energy Research
Initiative
Energy Research Initiative
Energy Research Initiative
Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report

Disclaimer
This document was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the
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Cover
South Texas Project Electric Generating Station. Photo courtesy of Public Domain
Available to DOE, DOE contractors, and the public from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, 1000
Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20585
PAGE COV2
International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative
Foreword
Nuclear energy represents the single largest carbon-free baseload source of energy in
the United States, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the electricity generated and
over 60 percent of our low-carbon energy production. Thirty-one states have operating
commercial nuclear reactor, generating over 789 billion kilowatt-hours of reliable, clean
energy; and over 430 commercial nuclear reactors safely operating in 31 countries,
with over 370,000 MWe of total capacity. Worldwide, nuclear power generates over
12 percent of global electricity. This will increase as the 72 new commercial nuclear
reactors currently under construction are completed and connected to the electric
grid. Continually increasing demand for clean energy both domestically and globally,
combined with research designed to make nuclear power ever-safer and more cost-
effective, will enable nuclear energy to continue being part of the energy mix for the
foreseeable future.
U.S. researchers are collaborating with nuclear scientists and engineers around the world
to develop new technologies that will lower costs, maximize safety, minimize proliferation
risk, and handle used fuel and radioactive waste. These are international concerns that
the international nuclear community must address together. Just as all nations stand to
benefit from nuclear energy, the risk of nuclear proliferation or the consequences of
an accident know no national borders. Bilateral and multilateral collaborations build
international consensus, capitalize on limited resources, and promote innovation far
more effectively than any one nation can do alone.
The International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative, or I-NERI, is perhaps even more
relevant today than at its establishment. Designed to foster bilateral international
partnerships, I-NERI crosses both geographical and institutional boundaries, forging teams
from universities, industry, and government organizations including federal laboratories.
I-NERI agreements have resulted in collaborative research and development that
investigates next-generation nuclear systems and fuel cycles, helping to determine
tomorrow’s solutions to today’s challenges. I-NERI research teams have made substantial
contributions to the knowledge base that directs critical decisions about nuclear energy.
This annual report provides information on how these efforts are collectively helping
to establish a solid foundation for advanced nuclear technologies. One project at a
time, the global nuclear community is building tomorrow’s nuclear energy systems and
technologies.
Peter B. Lyons
Assistant Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy
U.S. Department of Energy
PAGE i
Table of
Contents
PAGE ii
Shin Kori Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2

Photo courtesy of National Research Foundation of Korea
1 About This Document
3 1 The I-NERI Program

1.1 Purpose
1.2 International Agreements
1.3 Funding
1.4 Program Participants
11 2 Research Work Scope

2.1 Reactor Concepts Research, Development and
Demonstration
2.2 Fuel Cycle Research and Development
15 3 Summary of FY 2013 Projects

3.1 Research Activities
3.2 Program Activities
17 4 Project Summaries and Abstracts

4.1 United States–Euratom Collaboration
4.2 United States–Republic of Korea Collaboration
106 Appendix I: Acronyms
PAGE iii
PAGE iv
About This
Document
The International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (I-NERI) supports the advancement
of nuclear science and technology through bilateral collaborative research between
the United States and international partners. I-NERI is one of several mechanisms the U.S.
Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) utilizes to promote scientific
and engineering research and development (R&D) with other nations. Innovative
research performed under the I-NERI umbrella addresses key issues affecting the future
use of nuclear energy and its global deployment. By teaming with international partners,
U.S. researchers gain broader perspectives on issues of global importance and can
potentially achieve faster results at reduced cost.
The I-NERI 2013 Annual Report provides an update of I-NERI accomplishments achieved
during Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, including activities and findings of completed projects and
comprehensive progress summaries of ongoing projects.
• Section 1 provides an overview of the I-NERI program, including updates on funding

and program participants.
• Section 2 describes the scope of work supported by I-NERI collaborations.
• Section 3 provides a summary of FY 2013 projects.
• Section 4 presents the R&D work scope for current I-NERI collaborative projects
between the United States and the two currently active partners: the European
Union and the Republic of Korea. For these partnerships, the report provides summary
information for individual projects that were initiated, ongoing, or completed in FY
2013.
• Appendix I defines the acronyms used throughout the report.
PAGE 1
Nuclear High FLux Reactor (HFR)

Photo courtesy of Euratom
PAGE 2
1
1.1 Purpose
The I-NERI
Program
The United States is confronting two powerful imperatives that are driving today’s resurgence
of nuclear power: the escalation of energy demands and the increasing urgency to establish
a clean energy portfolio to meet these demands. Nuclear power plants presently provide
more than 60 percent of our clean energy supply. However, expanded use of nuclear
energy as a baseload power source faces four major challenges that require further R&D for
resolution. These are:
• To develop technologies and other solutions that can improve the reliability, sustain the
safety, and extend the life of current reactors.
• To develop improvements in the affordability of new reactors to enable nuclear energy

to help meet the Administration’s energy security and climate change goals.
• To develop sustainable nuclear fuel cycles.

• To understand and minimize risks of nuclear proliferation and terrorism.
Fortunately, the United States stands with a global nuclear community that shares our
desire to resolve these challenges. Scientists worldwide are exploring ways to improve
today’s processes and to discover and implement next-generation methods that will
ultimately promote safer and more cost-efficient use of nuclear energy. The nature of these
partnerships, whether bilateral or multilateral, takes on two different but complementary
roles: the United States advances the state of scientific knowledge and benefits from existing
research by collaborating with countries that have mature nuclear energy programs, while
providing useful assistance to those countries with developing technology and advancing
global nuclear safety standards and non-proliferation frameworks.
In 2010, former Secretary Chu established the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s
Nuclear Future to conduct a comprehensive review and develop recommendations for the
backend of the fuel cycle. In January 2013, DOE issued the Strategy for the Management and
Disposal of Used Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste. In addition to responding
to recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, that
Strategy establishes the Administration’s policy regarding the importance of addressing the
disposition of used fuel and high-level waste.
PAGE 3
In an increasingly global society, the importance of international cooperation has escalated

beyond the advantages of information sharing. Bilateral and multilateral R&D collaborations
develop a common global understanding, and an integrated development approach
incorporating nonproliferation, safeguards, and security technologies into the most basic
elements of nuclear systems and fuel, thereby strengthening nonproliferation frameworks
and protocols.
The I-NERI Program was established by DOE-NE in fiscal year (FY) 2001 to conduct R&D with
international partners in advanced nuclear energy systems development in response to
the clear need for global cooperation in the nuclear arena. The I-NERI program, one of
several international partnerships managed by the Office of International Nuclear Energy
Policy and Cooperation (NE-6), promotes bilateral research to expand the contribution
of nuclear power towards meeting U.S. energy goals. Bilateral agreements established
by NE provide frameworks for innovative scientific and engineering R&D undertaken in
cooperation with partnering international countries, foster closer collaboration among
international researchers, improve communications, and promote sharing of nuclear
research information.
Cooperative research projects funded through the I-NERI program are aligned with major
NE R&D programs. Projects conducted under the I-NERI umbrella aim to:
• Develop advanced concepts and scientific breakthroughs in nuclear energy and

reactor technology in order to address and overcome the principal technical and
scientific obstacles to expanding the global use of nuclear energy.
• Promote bilateral and multilateral collaboration with international agencies and

research organizations to improve the development of nuclear energy.
• Promote a nuclear science and engineering infrastructure to meet future technical

challenges.
Through the I-NERI program, DOE-NE has coordinated wide-ranging scientific discussions
among governments, industry, academia, and the worldwide research community
regarding the development of advanced reactor concepts and advanced fuel cycles.
Figure 1 illustrates key features of the I-NERI program.
1.2 International Agreements

In order to initiate an international collaboration, a government-to-government
agreement must first be in place. I-NERI bilateral agreements serve as vehicles to
conduct joint R&D under various DOE-NE programs, enabling U.S. researchers to establish
collaborative projects with their international colleagues that support the development of
next-generation nuclear energy systems and fuel cycle technologies and the continued
safe operation and sustainability of the existing commercial nuclear power reactors,
both domestically and worldwide.
To date, DOE-NE has implemented agreements with six countries and two international
organizations, signed by DOE and the international partners noted in Table1. However,
collaboration under I-NERI is presently being performed with the Republic of Korea and
the European Union. The table also presents the number of projects undertaken to date
with each partner.
PAGE 4
Figure 1. I-NERI Program Strategy.
Advanced reactors, systems, and compontents Advanced fuels
Alternative energy conversion cycles Transmutation science and engineering
LWR Sustainability Fuel cycle systems analysis
Advanced structural materials Advanced Modeling and Simulation tools
Used nuclear fuel separations, waste forms, and fuel resources technologies
PAGE 5
Table 1. I-NERI historical international partners and number of projects awarded. (December 2013)
COLLABORATOR ORGANIZATION TOTAL
ACTIVE PROJECTS
European Union European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) 25
Republic of Korea Ministry of Science Information & Communication, 49

Techology and Future Planning (MSIP)2
INACTIVE PROJECTS
Brazil Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MST) 2

Canada Department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) 12
and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)
France Commissariat à l’énergie atomique (CEA) 21
Japan Agency of Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) 2
and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science, and Technology (MEXT)
Organisation for Economic Co-operation The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of OECD 1
and Development (OCED)
The I-NERI program is a spoke in a much larger wheel of U.S. participation in the
international nuclear energy community. Outside the I-NERI program, the United States
has negotiated bilateral action plans with China, India, Japan, France, and Russia.
There is also extensive multilateral collaboration with the international community via the
Generation IV International Forum (GIF); the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);
the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC); the International
Nuclear Cooperation (INC) framework, a cooperative effort with Eastern European
countries; and the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). NE-6 coordinates U.S. involvement in
each of these programs. Please visit their websites for more information.
1.3 Funding
I-NERI is an important vehicle for enabling international R&D in nuclear technology on a
leveraged, cost-shared basis. Each country in an I-NERI collaboration provides funding for
its respective project participants; funding provided by the United States may be spent
only by U.S. organizations. The United States funds I-NERI projects through its national
laboratories, with the annual contribution based upon current-year budgets for DOE-NE
R&D programs. I-NERI projects typically last three years, although budgeting protocols
require the U.S. portion to be funded annually. While actual cost-share amounts are
determined jointly for each selected project, the program’s goal is to achieve matching
2 Signatory agency was the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), superseded by MEST in March 2008.
Nuclear R&D responsibilities were transferred from MEST to MSIP in 2013..
PAGE 6
Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report Republic of Korea
$51.6m
contributions from each partnering country. This section provides Column1

Brazil
approximate domestic and international funding numbers for FY 2013 and $2.3m Canada
the I-NERI program. $19.2m
Republic
European
Union of Korea
To date, I-NERI sponsors have committed a total R&D investment of $270.8 $51.6m
$22.2m
million: $144.2 million contributed by the United States and $126.6 million France
$26.4m
by international collaborators (see Figure 2).
OECD
$3.8m
Japan
1.4 Program Participants $2.7m
I-NERI encourages global sharing of resources. The program crosses Figure 2. Breakdown of $126.6 million in
foreign funding since I-NERI’s inception, by
both institutional and geographical boundaries, soliciting projects from international collaborator (numbers are
international proposal teams that comprise participants from universities, approximate).
industry, and government organizations, including federal laboratories.
Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in both the
United States and partnering international entities have resulted in significant scientific
and technological enhancements in the global nuclear power arena. I-NERI collaborative
projects produce findings that would take the United States alone far more time and money
to accomplish. The international infrastructure also brings multiple perspectives and priorities
together to address shared obstacles. Figure 4 (pages 8 and 9) shows the broad spectrum
of participants in the I-NERI program since its inception; asterisks indicate participants in
ongoing projects.
Academia Participation
One benefit of the I-NERI program is development of nuclear-related educational
research opportunities. Encouraging young academics to participate in nuclear R&D
promotes the nuclear science and engineering infrastructure, both in the United States
and abroad. Support from the I-NERI program helps educational institutions remain at
the forefront of science education and research, advance the important work of existing
nuclear R&D programs, and create training for the next generation of nuclear scientists
and engineers—those who will resolve future technical challenges. In FY 2013, eleven U.S.
and six foreign academic institutions participated in I-NERI research projects.
PAGE 7
Figure 4. Research
institutions that have
contributed to I-NERI
collaborations.
KEY
* FY 2013 collaborators
[G] Government agency
[U] University
[I] Industry
Brazil University of Manitoba [U] Korea Maritime University [U]

Eletronuclear [I] University of Ontario Institute of Technology Kyung-Hee University *[U]
Instituto de Pesquisas [U] Pusan National University [U]
Energéticas e Nucleares Seoul National University *[U]
(IPEN) [G] Republic of Korea
Ulsan National Institute of Science and
Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MST) [G] Cheju National University [U] Technology *[U]
Chosun University [U]
Canada Chungnam National University *[U] Italy
Atomic Energy of Canada Hanyang University [U] Ente per le Nuove Tecnologie,
Limited (AECL) [I] l’Energia e l’Ambiente (ENEA)
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and
Chalk River Laboratories Technology (KAIST) *[G]
(CRL) [G]
Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute [G] Società Informazioni ed Esperienze
CanmetENERGY [G] (KAERI) *[G] Termoidrauliche (SIET) [I]
Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal [U] Korea Electric Power Research Institute
Gamma Engineering [I] (KEPRI) [G] Switzerland
Université Bordeaux [U] Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company Paul Scherrer Institute
(KHNP) [I] (PSI)
Université de Sherbrooke [U]
PAGE 8
National Laboratories Universities

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) * Colorado School of Mines *
Brookhaven National Laboratory Idaho State University

(BNL) Iowa State University
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) * Massachusetts Institute of
Lawrence Livermore National Technology *
Laboratory (LLNL) * Ohio University
Los Alamos National Laboratory The Ohio State University
(LANL) *
Pennsylvania State University
National Institute of Standards and
Purdue University
Technology (NIST)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(ORNL) * Texas A&M University *
Pacific Northwest National University of California–Berkeley *
Laboratory (PNNL) *
University of California–Santa Barbara
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) *
University of Central Florida *
University of Florida *
Industry
University of Idaho
Gas Technology Institute
University of Illinois–Chicago
General Atomics
University of Maryland
Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, Inc. *
University of Michigan *
Westinghouse Electric
University of Nevada–Las Vegas
University of Notre Dame
University of North Texas *
University of Tennessee *
University of Wisconsin * France Japan

Utah State University Commissariat à l’énergie Hitachi, LTD [I]
atomique (CEA) *[G] Hitachi Works [I]
Belgium
Electricité de France Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) [G]
Ghent University *[U] (EDF) [G]
Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute
Joint Research Centre–Institute for Energy Framatome ANP [I] (JAERI) [G]
(JRC-IE) *[G]
Laboratoire des Composites Tohoku University [U]
Joint Research Centre–Institute for Thermostructuraux
Reference Materials and Measurements (LCTS) [G] Toshiba Corporation [I]
(JRC-IRMM) *[G] University of Tokyo [U]
Organisation for Economic Co-operation
Joint Research Centre–Institute for and
Transuranium Elements (JRC-ITU) *[G] Development–Nuclear Energy Agency Netherlands
SCK•CEN (Belgian Nuclear Research (OECD/NEA) [G]
Nuclear Research and
Centre) *[G] Consulting Group *[I]
Germany
UK Karlsruhe Institute of
University of Manchester [U] Technology *[U]
* 2013 I-NERI Collaborators
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
2 Research
Work Scope
I-NERI project work scopes are jointly developed by the United States and the collaborating
country based on terms of the bilateral agreement and current common R&D needs. Potential
topics for collaboration in the coming year are selected at each annual joint planning and
project review meeting. For the United States, the work scope of I-NERI projects must be directly
linked to the scientific and engineering needs of the principal NE research programs: Reactor
Concepts Research, Development and Demonstration (Reactor Concepts RD&D) and Fuel
Cycle Research and Development (FCR&D).
Past I-NERI project teams have contributed to the extensive and growing knowledge base in both
of these R&D programs. In support of reactor concepts, I-NERI projects have investigated such
topics as next-generation materials (e.g., nano-composited and oxide dispersion-strengthened
steels, silicon carbide composites, and zirconium alloys); improved energy conversion through
the Brayton cycle; advanced sensors, instrumentation, and controls; hydrogen production
through thermochemical reactions and high-temperature electrolysis; production viability and
efficiency; safety issues and proliferation risk reduction; and analysis of distribution and storage
methods. In addition, the program has contributed to our knowledge of modeling and simulation;
some of the first I-NERI project teams utilized these tools, and roughly half the current projects
explicitly call for the use, qualification, and/or improvement of numerical techniques within
their objectives. Sample new nuclear fuels being investigated include advanced transmutation
fuels and inert matrix fuels. Fuel cycle research includes accident-tolerant fuels, waste forms,
separation of fission products from nuclear waste, and advanced head-end processes that
condition used fuel.
This section provides an overview of the current work scopes for these NE R&D programs.
2.1 Reactor Concepts Research, Development and Demonstration

The mission of the Reactor Concepts RD&D program is to develop new and advanced
reactor designs and technologies with broader applicability and improved affordability and
competitiveness. RD&D activities address technical, cost, safety, proliferation, and reliability
challenges associated with the program elements described below.
Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART)

The Office of Advanced Reactor Technologies Program focuses on the development of
advanced reactor concepts with increased efficiency, significantly reduced carbon emissions,
state of the art safety systems, and improved fuel utilization. This reflects a consolidation of the
PAGE 11
Advanced Reactor Concepts, Advanced Small Modular Reactor and Next-Generation Nuclear
Plant Programs. The ART program is currently focused in five areas:
• Fast Reactor Technologies

–– For actinide management and electricity production
–– Current focus on sodium coolant
• High Temperature Reactor Technologies
–– For electricity and process heat production
–– Current focus on gas- and liquid salt-cooled systems
• Advanced Reactor Generic Technologies
–– Common design needs for advanced materials, energy conversion, decay heat removal
systems and modeling methods
• Advanced Reactor Regulatory Framework

–– Development of licensing requirements for advanced reactors
• Advanced Reactor System Studies
–– Analyses of capital, operations and fuel costs for advanced reactor types
Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Advanced Concepts R&D

SMRs provide simplicity of design, enhanced safety features, the economics and quality
afforded by factory production, and more flexibility (financing, siting, sizing, and end-use
applications) than larger nuclear power plants. SMRs can provide power for applications where
sites lack the infrastructure to support a large unit, such as smaller electrical markets, isolated
areas, smaller grids, sites with limited water and acreage, or unique industrial applications. Thus
this concept is of benefit not only to countries with highly developed economies and mature
nuclear programs but also to those with limited resources. The program supports RD&D activities
that advance the understanding and demonstration of these innovative reactor technologies
and concepts.
Light Water Reactor Sustainability

Over the next three decades, most currently operating nuclear power plants will reach the ends of
their operating licenses. To help meet the nation’s expanding electricity requirements, however,
existing reactors must continue operating beyond 60 years. This program supports acquiring
the scientific understanding needed to develop and demonstrate technologies that support
safe and economical long-term operation of existing reactors, as well as new technologies that
enhance performance. Extending the life of the current fleet requires fundamental science to
predict and measure changes in materials, systems, structures, and components as they age in
environments found within operating reactors.
PAGE 12
Advanced Modeling and Simulation

Two major initiatives are developing the advanced modeling and simulation that will provide the
validated tools necessary to enable fundamental change in how the United States designs and
manages both existing and future nuclear facilities. The Consortium for Advanced Simulation
of Light Water Reactors (CASL) is a DOE-sponsored energy innovation hub that brings together
industry, universities, and the national laboratories to create a virtual model with advanced
predictive and simulation capabilities for the current generation of reactors. The Nuclear
Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program is a longer-term initiative that is
developing a suite of integrated codes and cross-cutting numerical tools to support the entire
range of NE’s nuclear energy R&D.
2.2 Fuel Cycle Research and Development

One of the four NE R&D objectives is achievement of sustainable fuel cycle options, defined as
those that improve uranium resource utilization, maximize energy generation, minimize waste
generation, improve safety, and limit proliferation risk. Through a long-term science- based
approach, the FCR&D program is developing a suite of technology options that will enable
informed decisions about the management of nuclear waste and used reactor fuel.
Today’s commercial nuclear power plants run on a once-through fuel cycle, which utilizes
only about five percent of the fuel’s energy potential before the used fuel is placed in storage
for future disposal. Advanced and innovative fuel cycles recycling technologies are being
developed to process this fuel for re-use in reactors. This may allow substantially more energy
to be drawn from the same amount of nuclear material, while reducing the quantity of long-
lived radioactive elements in the used nuclear fuel. Fuels R&D aims to increase the efficient
use of uranium resources, reduce the amount of used fuel requiring disposal, and evaluate the
inclusion of non- uranium materials to reduce the long-lived radioactive elements in used fuel. In
a full recycle system, only waste products will require disposal, not used fuel. The mission of the
FCR&D program is: (1) to develop used nuclear fuel management strategies and technologies
to support meeting federal government responsibility to manage and dispose of the nation’s
commercial used nuclear fuel and high-level waste; and (2) develop sustainable fuel cycle
technologies and options that improve resource utilization and energy generation, reduce waste
generation, enhance safety, and limit proliferation risk. The program is applying a methodical
systems engineering analysis approach to identify suitable technologies.
FCR&D has five campaigns addressing different program elements that support the overall
objectives of sustainable fuel cycle options.
Fuel Cycle Options

This campaign is developing methods and tools to evaluate, screen and identify fuel cycles
options in order to guide the selection of one or more sustainable options and strenghten and
support nuclear fuel cycle R&D needs. Researchers perform integrated fuel cycle analyses and
technical assessments and provide information that can be used to inform NE’s fuel cycle R&D
activities and strategies. The campaign is studying options for once-through, modified recycle
and full recycle systems, looking at all stages from mining to disposal.
Advanced Fuels
NE is supporting R&D for various fuel forms, including cladding, that are needed to implement
those fuel cycle options. For any given fuel type, fuel qualification requires engineering-scale
PAGE 13
demonstration of the fabrication processes and irradiation of lead-test assemblies to demonstrate

in-reactor performance. NE is working toward developing a state-of-the art R&D infrastructure
to support a goal-oriented science-based approach. The campaign is investigating both
transmutation fuels, which have potential for enhanced resource utilization and proliferation
resistance, and next- generation light water reactor (LWR) accident-tolerant fuels that exhibit
enhanced performance and safety and reduced waste generation.
Separations, Waste Forms, and Fuel Resources

Features of a sustainable fuel cycle include reduced processing waste generation and
proliferation risk. NE is working towards advanced and innovative fuel cycle separation and
waste management technologies that enable these improvements. Research scope includes
developing advanced waste forms and developing and demonstrating technologies that
separate transuranic elements and fission products from used nuclear fuel, as well as investigating
cutting-edge alternatives that could widen fuel cycle options.
Used Fuel Disposition

This program aims to provide a sound technical basis for a new national policy to manage the
back end of the nuclear fuel cycle, including identification and evaluation of safe and secure
options for storage, transportation, and permanent disposal of radioactive wastes resulting
from existing and future fuel cycles. Objectives range from identifying and addressing gaps
in existing data and methodologies to using advanced modeling tools for studies of potential
disposal system concepts and environments; research scope ranges from interim storage to final
disposal. International activities are a cornerstone of these efforts and include participation in
international working groups addressing relevant challenges, support for bilateral interactions
between the United States and the Republic of Korea and the United States and Japan, and
planning for U.S. involvement in disposal R&D in European underground research laboratories
(URLs).
Material Protection, Accounting, and Control Technologies

As nuclear systems grow more complex and their use becomes more widespread, NE aims to
enhance safety and security while minimizing proliferation risk. This program supports efforts to
develop innovative technologies and analysis tools to enable next-generation nuclear materials
management for future U.S. nuclear fuel cycles, significantly advancing the state-of-the art in
accounting and control. NE is also supporting the necessary research to integrate safeguards
and security into the earliest stages of the design cycle.
PAGE 14
3 Summary of FY
2013 Projects
3.1 Research Activities
Since the program’s inception, 112 projects have been awarded. There are currently 19 active
projects, 7 collaborations with Euratom and 12 with the Republic of Korea. Of these 19 projects,
seven were successfully completed in FY 2013. Both the number of awards and the consistency
of project achievement demonstrate I-NERI’s success in fostering international collaboration. A
summary of findings and accomplishments for completed, on-going, and new projects can be
found in Section 4 of this annual report.
3.2 Program Activities

I-NERI programmatic accomplishments include successful completion of three U.S.-Euratom
collaborative research projects:
2010-002-E Sperical Particle Technology Research for Advanced Nuclear Fuel/ Target
Applications
2010-003-E Irradiation and Testing of Advanced Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened Ferritic
Martensitic Steels
2010-005-E Interoperability of Material Databases).
Two U.S.-Euratom projects received approval to continue:

2010-006-E State-of-the-Art Post-Irradiation Examination of Advanced Nuclear Fuels
2012-001-E High-Fidelity Thermal Hydraulic Fuel Assembly Simulations for Nuclear Reactors
Two new projects were initiated with the Euratom:

2013-001-E Novel Technology for Synthesis of Nuclear Fuels
2013-002-E Phase Equilibria and Thermochemistry of Fission Products in Uranium Fuel
Four U.S.- Republic of Korea (ROK) collaborative research projects were successfully completed
in 2013:
2010-001-K Investigation of Electrochemical Recovery of Zirconium from Spent Nuclear
Fuel
2010-002-K Science-Based Approach to NI-Alloys Aging and Its Effects on Cracking in
PWRs
2010-003-K Low Loss Advanced Metallic Fuel Casting Development
2010-004-K Development and Characterization of Nano-particles Strengthened Dual
Phase Alloys for High-Temperature Nuclear Reactor Applications
PAGE 15
Five U.S.-ROK projects received approval to continue:

2011-001-K Atomic Ordering in Alloy 690 and Its Effect on Long-Term Structural Stability and
Stress Corrosion Cracking Susceptibility
2011-002-K Development of Microcharacterization Techniques for Nuclear Materials
2011-003-K Verification and Validation of High-Fidelity Multi-Physics Simulation Codes for
Advanced Nuclear Reactors
2011-004-K Development of Diagnostics and Prognostics Methods for Sustainability of
Nuclear Power Plant Safety Critical Functions
2011-005-K Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated Replacement Fuel for Light Water Reactor
Sustainability
In 2013, three new projects were initiated with the Republic of Korea:
2013-001-K Generation of Physics Validation Database and Analysis of Fast Reactor
Depletion Capability and Core Characteristics Calculations Using MC2- 3/
DIF3D/REBUS-3
2013-002-K Development of Oxidation Protective Coating Technology on Graphite for
VHTR Core Support Structure
2013-003-K Development of Advanced Long Life Small Modular Fast Reactors)
Key management of each I-NERI agreement takes place during an annual project performance
review and bilateral program planning meeting (BINERIC). These annual meetings facilitate
information exchange and provide opportunities for the parties to review ongoing projects,
investigate new opportunities for collaboration, and update research scopes to support current
R&D priorities.
The BINERIC meetings serve as a forum to discuss areas of mutual interest for future research.
At each meeting, participants from the two collaborating countries establish general topics
for joint research for the coming year, along with a schedule for requesting and evaluating
proposals. Each respective I-NERI country coordinator sends out a request for proposals following
the agreed guidance, and the submitted proposals are jointly evaluated for funding.
In FY 2013, DOE held a combined Annual Review/BINERIC meeting with their Euratom colleagues
at the Idaho National Laboratory, located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and another with the Republic
of Korea at DOE Headquarters in the Washington, D.C. All ongoing projects were approved for
continued funding at the most recent BINERIC meetings, as the research efforts are proceeding
well and continue to meet NE objectives. For the upcoming FY 2014 I-NERI solicitations for proposed
joint research projects, both bilateral partnerships agreed to retain existing joint research topic
areas, as summarized in the introductions to Sections 4.1 and 4.2.
In FY 2014, both Euratom and the Republlic of Korea will host the I-NERI Annual Review Meeting/
BINERIC. The proposed locations are Brussels, Belgium; and Seoul, Korea, respectively.
As appropriate, DOE will continue to pursue new cooperative agreements with prospective
partner countries.
PAGE 16
4 Project
Summaries
and Abstracts
Photo courtesy of Euratom
PAGE 17
4.1 United States–Euratom

Collaborative Projects
DOE and the European Commission (EC) signed a bilateral agreement on March 6, 2003.
Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham signed the agreement for DOE, and Commissioner for
Research Phillipe Busquin signed on behalf of the EC. Euratom serves as the implementing agent
for the EC for I-NERI collaboration.
Research areas of interest to both the United States and Euratom include advanced reactor
concepts and associated fundamental nuclear science; existing plant life extension, integrity of
components, and performance optimization; waste transmutation and management; reactor
safety; severe accident management; advanced fuels; uranium programs; and modeling and
simulation.
In 2013, three projects came to a successful completion and efforts continued on two ongoing
projects. Two new projects were selected for award and started in 2013.
Below in Table 1 is an overview listing of completed, on-going, and new I-NERI U.S.-Euratom
projects, followed by summaries of their FY 2013 accomplishments and overviews.
Project Number** Project Title Completion Year
2010-002-E Spherical Particle Technology Research for Advanced 2013

Nuclear Fuel/Target Applications
2010-003-E Irradiation and Testing of Advanced Oxide Dispersion- 2013
Strengthened and Ferritic–Martensitic Steels
2010-005-E Interoperability of Material Databases 2013
2010-006-E* State-of-the-Art Post-Irradiation Examination of Advanced 2014
Nuclear Fuels
2012-001-E High-Fidelity Thermal Hydraulic Fuel Assembly Simulations 2015
for Nuclear Reactors
2013-001-E Novel Technology for Synthesis of Nuclear Fuels 2016
2013-002-E Phase Equilbria and Thermochemistry of Fission Products in 2016
Uranium Fuel
* Project received a 1-year extension to original 3-year award.

** The 2010, for example, indicates project initiation date and “E” represents Euratom
PAGE 18
Spherical Particle Project Number: 2010-002-E
Technology Research for

Advanced Nuclear Fuel/
PI (U.S.): Stewart Voit, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory
Target Applications PI (Euratom): Joseph Somers,

Joint Research Center–Institute for
Transuranium Elements
Collaborators: Los Alamos National

Research Objectives Laboratory
The goal of this work is to advance the state of understanding
Program Area: Fuel Cycle R&D
of particle fuel technology by addressing technical questions
related to fuel/target fabrication and performance. A key Project Start Date: February 2010
objective is the evaluation of spherical particles for use as (1) a
potential near-dustless feed for ceramic fuel fabrication, and (2) Project End Date: January 2013
a host matrix for the infiltration of a second actinide phase. The
actinide-bearing kernels may be dispersed in a ceramic or metal
forming a ceramic-ceramic or ceramic-metallic composite.
In 2013, the process for synthesizing nitride microspheres
was studied. The goal was to accomplish complete nitride
conversion from oxide starting material, achieve near fully dense
microspheres, and maintain particle microstructural integrity.
Research Progress
Carbon-incorporated uranium oxide microspheres (UO2+C)
are heat treated in nitrogen environments to synthesize UN. The
internal gelation process was used to produce hydrated uranium
trioxide (UO3∙2H2O) microspheres with carbon black dispersed
throughout the gel spheres [1]. UO3∙2H2O microspheres were
calcined then the UO2+C reactants were converted into dense
intermediates of uranium carbide (UC) plus UO2 followed by
transformation of the carbide and remaining oxide into the nitride.
A thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) was used to measure mass
changes of carbon-bearing uranium microspheres as a function
of time, temperature, and defined atmosphere.
In the calcinations step, microspheres of UO3∙2H2O + 2.65 carbon

were calcined to UO2 + 2.15 carbon as shown in Reaction 1. The
microspheres were heated to 873 K at a rate of 200 K/h and then
held at 873 K for 2 h.
UO3∙2H2O (s) + 2.65 C (s) → UO2 (s) + 2.15 C (s) + 2 H2O (g) + CO2 (g)
(Reaction 1)
Simultaneous thermogravimetry, temperature profile, and mass

spectrometry for this process were obtained and are shown in
Fig. 1. The H2O trace displays two peaks representing removal of
PAGE 19
International
for behaviorNuclear Energy
that may Research
indicate Initiative
partial decomposition
of UO3 to a lower oxide such as U3O8. Four
Fiscal Year
distinct 2013
peaks areAnnual Report
associated with oxygen species and all correspond to indicated H2O and CO2
peaks. Decomposition of UO3 to lower oxides, carbonate decomposition, and residual organic
decomposition, if present, overlap with other TG and MS traces. Two distinct CO2 peaks are
adsorbed andonset
revealed with chemically bound of
temperatures water.
442 KThe
andoxygen
792 Ktrace (not shown
respectively. Thefor
TGclarity)
and CO was analyzed
2 traces are
for behavior that may indicate
consistent with Reaction 2. partial decomposition of UO3 to a lower oxide such as U3O8.
Four distinct peaks are associated with oxygen species and all correspond to indicated H2O
and CO2 U3peaks. Decomposition of(s)
O8 V&Vĺ82 UO3+ to
COlower oxides, carbonate decomposition,
(Reaction 2) and residual
2 2 (g)
organic decomposition, if present, overlap with other TG and MS traces. Two distinct CO2 peaks
are revealed with onset temperatures of 442 K and 792 K respectively. Conversion
The TG and and
CO2sintering
traces
are consistent with Reaction 2. was performed following
two different approaches:
U3O8 (s) + C (s) → 3 UO2 (s) + CO2 (g) a conventional two-step
Conversion methodand insintering
which thewas
performed conversion
following two different
and sintering
approaches: a conventional
takes place in separate
two-step method in which the
steps, and a single
conversion and sintering takes
conversion/sintering
place in separate steps, and a
single conversion/sintering
method. All of method. the
All of the experiments
experimentsusing usingthethe
conventional two-steptwo-step
conventional method
resulted in low density kernels
method resulted in low with,
in many cases, excessive cracking
density kernels with, in
and incomplete conversion.
Successful many cases, excessive
conversion was
achieved by cracking
following anda incomplete
single-step
process adopted from Ledergerber
conversion. Successful
et al. [2]. Table 1 lists thewas
conversion single-stage
achieved
Figure 1. Characteristics of calcination of air-dried UO :2.65C conversion/sintering experimental
by following a single-step process adopted from3 Ledergerber et al. [2]. Table 1 lists the single-
in argon
stage from theromogravimetry
conversion/sintering and mass spectrometry.
experimental conditions
conditions similar to similar toapproach.
the Ledergerber the Ledergerber
approach.
Table
Table1.1. Experimental
Experimentalconditions
conditionsforforsingle-stage
single-stageconversion/sintering.
conversion/sintering.
Conversion / Sintering
C:U Target Ramp Rate Temperature Atmosphere Hold Time
Diameter (K/min) (K) (hours)
(µm)
2.65 850 3 973 Ar-H2 0.5
5 1923 Ar-H2 0.5
5 2073 N2 20
Oxide to nitride conversion proceeds via the general reaction 3. UC/UO2 ratio in excess of 2
would
Oxide lead to UC1-xNx
to nitride and possibly
conversion proceedsfree
via carbon.
the general reaction 3. UC/UO2 ratio in excess of 2
would lead to UC1-xNx and possibly free carbon.
UO2++3/2
UO2 + 2UC 2UCN+2 =
3/2
3 N2
UN=+32UN + 2 CO.
CO. (Reaction
(Reaction 3)
3)
Synthesis of high-density UN or UC1-xNx with low carbon content, especially at large-scale

fabrication is a challenging task. Batch conversion in which the process gas flows across the
top of a static bed of particles typically yields a distribution of conversion across the particle
bed. Conversion is most effective in the top center of a static bed where the reaction gas CO
PAGE 20
can easily be swept away. Conversion for particles near the bottom or side-wall of the
crucible is suppressed due to poor CO removal. Sampling particles from the top of the
particle bed was performed to determine if complete conversion could be achieved
under ideal conditions and the results are presented below.
X-ray diffraction of powdered kernels indicated approximately 0.7 molar ratio of C in
UCxN1-x based on lattice parameter comparison with Vegard’s law between pure UC
and pure UN. There was no indication of UO2 present. SEM images of UCN kernels that
had the highest density are displayed in Figure 2 and reveal the kernel exterior and interior
surfaces in the left and right images respectively. The average density of UCN kernels from
a population of 34 was 90% of theoretical. Although initial results from batch processing
produced inhomogeneous conversion, characterization of select samples indicate that
the single-stage conversion/sintering process can indeed yield dense UCN microspheres.
Excess carbon in the product microspheres suggests that additional process optimization
is needed. The amount of carbon added during sol-gel processing can be reduced
and/or hydrogen gas can be introduced during conversion and sintering to remove
excess carbon as HCN.
Fig. 2. Scanning electron microscopy of UCN kernels showing kernel

surface (left image) and kernel interior (right image).
Planned Activities
Programmatic activities will continue in CY2014 and including an assessment of the effect
of a furnace crucible modification to allow process gas to flow up through the static bed
of particles. This improvement should allow more effective reaction gases removal and
reduce the partial pressure of CO thereby increasing conversion efficiency.
[1] R.D. Hunt, T.B. Lindemer, M.Z. Hu, G.D. Del Cul, J.L. Collins, Radiochim. Acta 95 (2007)
225–232
[2] G. Ledergerber, Z. Kopajtic, F. Ingold, R.W. Stratton, Preparation of uranium nitride in

the form of microspheres, J. Nucl. Mater. 188 (1992) 28−35.
PAGE 21
Irradiation and Testing Project Number: 2010-003-E
of Advanced Oxide
Dispersion-Strengthened
PI (U.S.): Stuart Maloy, Los Alamos
National Laboratory
and Ferritic–Martensitic PI (Germany): Concetta Fazio,

Karlsruhe Institut für Technologie
(formerly Forschungzentrum Karlsruhe)
Steels Collaborators: Idaho National
Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratory, Oak Ridge
Research Objectives National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest
This collaboration is investigating irradiation and corrosion effects National Laboratory, Paul Scherrer
in materials used for innovative reactor systems, including fast Institute, SCK•CEN (Belgian Nuclear
reactors cooled with sodium, heavy liquid metal (HLM), and gas. Research Center)
The project team is developing and characterizing advanced Program Area: Fuel Cycle R&D
oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) and ferritic–martensitic
(F/M) steels, investigating corrosion effects of these steels in Project Start Date: December 2009
sodium, and examining the ODS steels’ irradiation behavior.
Project End Date: December 2013
They are utilizing several irradiation programs, such as those
conducted at MEGAPIE and the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), to
prepare materials for post-irradiation analysis and gather data
for modeling.
Sharing collaborative research results among scientists at

U.S. national laboratories, the U.S. Department of Energy, and
Euratom’s GETMAT (Generation IV and Transmutation Materials)
will improve understanding of these innovative systems’ potential
viability and competitiveness, support development of improved
safety features, and provide information about transmutation
systems using HLM coolant and a fast-spectrum spallation
neutron flux.
Research Progress
Development of Advanced ODS Steels (including welds)
The U.S. team produced a 50-kilogram heat of the mechanically

alloyed (MA) ODS ferritic alloy14YWT, performed 40-hour milling
on this heat of material at Zoz GmbH in Germany and have
consolidated materials for mechanical testing. A summary of Figure 1. Graph showing stress/strain curves
the stress/strain curves measured at temperatures up to 800C is measured on new heat of 14YWT, FCRD-NFA1,
shown in Fig. 1. The U.S. team shared these data with GETMAT tested from room temperature up to 800C.
research scientists, making similar progress on development of
12Cr and 9Cr ODS alloys.
PAGE 22
Advanced Materials Coolant Compatibility

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) restarted the DELTA loop and successfully ran
a corrosion test for over 1500 hours at 488ºC. This corrosion test centered on testing
materials at high flow rates and flow rates up to 3.5 m/s were achieved. Simultaneously,
GETMAT researchers are conducting long-term (up to 10,000 hours) corrosion testing on
ODS alloys in lead and lead–bismuth.
Irradiation Behavior of Advanced ODS Steels

U.S. researchers completed testing of STIP IV irradiated materials. This irradiation included
ODS alloys such as 14YWT and 12YWT. Significant hardening was observed in 12YWT
and ductility was reduced but still greater than 5% after irradiation to 21 dpa. Euratom
researchers will obtain high-dose irradiation data from materials irradiated in the MATRIX
program, which reproduces the fast spectrum conditions for core components. However,
this activity is presently delayed because of hot cell repairs.
Information Sharing
Significant data sharing progress has been made through collaborative meetings.
In particular, the U.S. principal investigator (PI) and an ORNL collaborator presented
highlights of the post irradiation testing and 14YWT development at the final GETMAT
technical meeting in Berlin, Germany, September 2013.
Multiscale Modeling
U.S. researchers are developing creep models of F/M iron–chromium alloys and validating
those models through experimental results. Although this activity was initially sponsored
through the NEAMS program, it will no longer be pursued under the scope of I-NERI, as
funding is discontinued in FY 2013.
Planned Activities
This was a final meeting for the GETMAT collaboration and this I-NERI is completed now.
A final joint report is in progress.
PAGE 23
Interoperability of Material Project Number: 2010-005-E
Databases
PI (U.S.): Lianshan Lin and Weiju Ren,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Research Objectives
PI (Euratom): Timothy Austin, Peter
This project is investigating the viability of using standards- Hähner, Hans-Helmut Over, Joint
compliant schemas and ontologies to address interoperability Research Centre–Institute for Energy
of materials databases, facilitating data exchange between and Transport
research partners. As numerous components in Gen IV systems
are exposed to high temperatures, neutron fluences, and Collaborators: None
corrosive environments, safe and economic system operations Program Area: Reactor Concepts
necessitate extended materials qualification testing. However, RD&D
existing materials test databases currently present compatibility
challenges: they differ in format and associated semantics; they Project Start Date: January 2011
are stored in both heterogeneous and distributed database
Project End Date: December 2013
repositories; these repositories have a variety of working
environments and software tools to access the data; and these
environments and tools are in a constant state of change.
The main goal of the project is the implementation of web-

service software for data import and export using an agreed
standardized schema at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
and the Joint Research Centre (JRC). Database interoperability
will reduce costs associated with redundant materials testing
programs, promote long-term data preservation, enable
improved auditing traceability, and support the reuse of data.
The work is undertaken within the broader scope of international

efforts to develop technologies that enable interoperability of
materials databases. The present project builds on the results of
a recently completed European Committee for Standardization
(CEN) workshop on the viability of standards-compliant data
formats, starting with a tensile test schema derived from
documentary technology standards and a guide for using
and developing data formats for engineering materials test
data.1 The introduction and adoption of standards-compliant
data formats (schemas and ontologies that are a faithful
representation of procedural standards for mechanical testing)
will allow researchers to leverage established and emerging
web-based technologies for data storage and retrieval.
1 CWA 16200:2010 (2010), “A Guide to the Development and Use of Standards-Compliant Data Formats for Engineering Materials Test
Data,” retrieved February 27, 2012, from ftp://ftp.cen.eu/CEN/Sectors/List/ICT/CWAs/CWA16200_2010_ELSSI.pdf.2 Ibid.
PAGE 24
! International Nuclear Energy Researcha Initiative

Progress has been on hold since the end of FY 2013 due to some changes in the Gen IV
Materials Handbook Project at ORNL. The major impact factors include:
Progress has bee on hold since the end of FY 2013 due to some changes in the Gen IV
1) AMaterials
significant increase Project
Handbook of workload in the
at ORNL. TheGen
majorIVimpact
Materials Handbook
factors include:project as
its development was phasing into a digitized-data-intensive effort from an electronic-
1) A significant increase of workload in the Gen IV Materials Handbook project as its
document-intensive effort to meet the growing needs and requirements in the
development was phasing into a digitized-data-intensive effort from an electronic-
international collaboration under agreement of the Gen IV International Forum (GIF).
document-intensive effort to meet the growing needs and requirements in the
2) A fundinginternational collaboration
cut for the under
Gen IV Materials agreement
Handbook of the
project in FYGen
2014.IV International Forum
(GIF).
Before2)progress was
A funding cutput
foron
thehold,
Gen IVthe project Handbook
Materials had achieved its in
project major objectives for
FY 2014.
establishing the capability of massive data exchange between the MatDB at JRC and
the GenBefore progressHandbook
IV Materials was put on hold, the project had achieved its major objectives for
at ORNL.
establishing the capability of massive data exchange between the MatDB at JRC and
The MatDB and the Gen IV Materials Handbook have different database structures. The
the Gen IV Materials Handbook at ORNL.
MatDB! structure has a mainly hierarchical configuration (see Figure 1), while the Gen IV
The Handbook
Materials MatDB andhas theaGen IV Materials
mainly Handbook have
network configuration (seedifferent
Figure 2).database structures. The
MatDB structure has a mainly hierarchical configuration (see Figure 1), while the Gen IV
Materials Handbook has a mainly network configuration (see Figure 2).
Figure 1. Hierachical structure of the MatDB. Figure 2. Network structure of the Gen IV
Materials Handbook.
Figure 1. Hierachical structure of the MatDB. Figure 2. Network structure of the Gen IV
Materials Handbook.
Both! systems have the capability of massive digital data import and export through the
XML mechanism (see
Both systems Figure
have the 3capability
and Figureof4).
massive digital data import and export through the
XML mechanism (see Figure 3 and Figure 4). that had already been established in
Despite the massive digital data transfer capability
both systems, detail analyses indicated that for same mechanical testing types different
erachical structure of the MatDB.

Figure 3. MatDB’s massive digital data transfer Figure 4. Gen IV Materials Handbook’s
Figure 3. MatDB’s massive digital data transfer
capability. Figure 4. Gen
massive IV Materials
digital Handbook’s
data transfer massive
capability.
capability. digital data transfer capability.
PAGE 25
names were often found for same attributes in the

two systems. In addition, the two systems obviously
had a mismatch in the database structure. The
differences of the two systems resulted in a technical
barrier that XML exports generated from one system
would not accurately communicate with those from
the other (see Figure 5).
To overcome the technical barrier, an XML

interpreter is needed to translate corresponding
data elements from one XML file into the other, and
Figure 5. Technical barrier between two systems in data
the EXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformations exchange.
(XSLT) was chosen to develop a solution. EXtensible
Stylesheet Language (XSL) is a style sheet language
for XML documents, which describes how the XML
document should be displayed. However, XSL is more
than a Style Sheet Language. The World Wide Web
Consortium (W3C) started to develop XSL because
there was a need for an XML-based Stylesheet. It
was eventually developed into three parts: XSLT (for
transforming XML documents), XPath (for navigating
in XML documents) and XSL-FO (for formatting XML
documents). The XSLT was chosen for the present
project as it would best fit the task requirements (see Figure 6. Achieving interoperability for massive digital data
Figure 6). exchange.
The solution developed using the XSLT was a success. A small module was established in MatDB for testing
the developed mechanism for massive digital data exchange. Some tensile test datasets were successfully
transferred from the Gen IV Materials Handbook to the MatDB across continents.
Planned Activities
Currently, two publications on the accomplishment of the project are under preparation. To resume the progress,
the following two action items should first be completed:
1) Identify recent changes in both systems and update the interoperability mechanisms.
2) Identify data for exchange and negotiate exchange conditions if the identified data are not covered by
existing GIF agreements.
Once the two actions above are completed, the ORNL and JRC teams can resume the progress and cooperate
to exchange data records between MatDB and the Handbook systems. The data exchange will entail a two-
way communication process, with an intermediate step of exporting data into XML files before importing to the
other database, and vice versa. The initial exchange will be data from the “Generation IV International Forum
Very High-Temperature Reactor System Materials Project Plan.” Further exchanges will be based on the result of
action 2 above.
Technicqes developed through this project can be further extended to enable interoperability between
database and computational simulation software, which will open a door of great opportunities for Integrated
Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) and Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) that are expected to bring
forth revolutionary advancements in materials research and development.
PAGE 26
State-of-the-Art Post- Project Number: 2010-006-E
Irradiation Examination of
Advanced Nuclear Fuels
PI (U.S.): J. R. Kennedy, Idaho National
Laboratory
PI (Euratom): V. V. Rondinella,
Joint Research Centre–Institute for
Research Objectives Transuranium Elements
New concepts for nuclear energy development are considered in
Collaborators: Colorado School of
both the USA and Europe within the framework of the Generation-
Mines, University of Central Florida,
IV International Forum (GIF) as well as in various US-DOE programs Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
(e.g. the Fuel Cycle Research and Development - FCRD) and Los Alamos National Laboratory
as part of the European Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology
Platform (SNE-TP). Program Area: Fuel Cycle R&D
Since most new fuel cycle concepts envisage the adoption of Start Date: January 2011
a closed nuclear fuel cycle employing fast reactors, the fuel
End Date: December 2014
behavior characteristics of the various proposed advanced
fuel forms must be effectively investigated using state of the art
experimental techniques before implementation. More rapid
progress can be achieved if effective synergy with advanced
(multi-scale) modeling efforts can be achieved. The fuel systems
to be considered include minor actinide (MA) transmutation fuel
types such as advanced MOX, advanced metal alloy, inert matrix
fuel (IMF), and other ceramic fuels like nitrides, carbides, etc., for
fast neutronic spectrum conditions. Most of the advanced fuel
compounds have already been the object of past examination
programs, which included irradiations in research reactors. The
knowledge derived from previous experience constitutes a
significant, albeit incomplete body of data. New or upgraded
experimental tools are available today that can extend the
scientific and technological knowledge towards achieving
the objectives associated with the new generation of nuclear
reactors and fuels.
The objectives of this project will be three-fold: (1) to extend the

available knowledge on properties and irradiation behavior of
high burnup and minor actinide bearing advanced fuel systems;
(2) to establish a synergy with multi-scale and code development
efforts in which experimental data and expertise on the irradiation
behavior of nuclear fuels is properly conveyed for the upgrade/
development of advanced modeling tools; (3) to promote the
effective use of international resources to the characterization
of irradiated fuel through exchange of expertise and information
among leading experimental facilities. The priorities in this project
will be set according to the down selection procedure of U.S. and
European development programs.
PAGE 27
Research Progress
Experimental work in the US related to this collaboration during the 2013 timeframe was primarily directed towards
development of high spatial resolution instrumentation for thermal conductivity and mechanical properties
determination for eventual coupling with computational modeling and simulation efforts, atom probe tomography
(APT) studies on fresh fuel samples from samples prepared with use of the focused ion beam (FIB), and higher
spatial resolution microstructure studies of as-cast fuels from transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies for
input into computational modeling and simulation efforts.
Atom Probe Tomography (APT) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Studies
Advanced characterization techniques such as TEM and APT have been widely utilized for non-radiological
materials; however, the extreme difficulty of working with radioactive samples has inhibited their application
in nuclear energy. These advanced techniques provide the ability to obtain critical experimental data on the
evolution of microstructure, dislocation density, grain size and orientation, and composition in irradiated materials
from the atomic to the mesoscale. Atom probe tomography (APT) allows high resolution, “atom-by-atom”
identification of element distribution in a sample. Dr. Melissa Teague at INL has used a focused ion beam (FIB) to
produce site specific samples for the first ever APT studies of AFC transmutation fuels, performed at the Center for
Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) facility at INL. Samples for APT were prepared using the hot FIB at the Materials
and Fuels Complex and then transferred to CAES for analysis using the cutting edge LEAP 4000x HR atom probe.
The first alloy studied was U-55Pu-20Zr in the annealed state. Due to instrumentation issues, an oxide layer formed
on the outside of the samples.
Figure 1 shows a reconstruction of an oxidized U-55Pu-20Zr sample. An interesting feature is the different oxidation
behavior of the elemental components. The extent and depth of oxidation were element dependent with Zr
having the thickest oxidation layer followed by U and then Pu. The presence of oxidized zirconium within metallic
U/Pu is an interesting observation and further analysis is planned. A Pu/U rich and Zr depleted region was seen at
the edge of the tip, which is hypothesized to be along a former grain boundary (Figure 2). Though preliminary in
scope, the application of APT to transmutation fuels is an exciting advance and has great potential for helping
to understand the complex behavior observed in both irradiated and unirradiated fuels. Further quantification of
these type studies will be employed in conjunction with computational efforts (e.g. the MARMOT code at INL) to
fully simulate the microstructure evolution in fuels under irradiation.
In order to better understand the nature of the transmutation fuels and to better integrate experiment with
computation and modeling, Dr. Dawn Janney initiated transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies on
Figure 1. APT reconstruction of

oxidized U-55Pu-20Zr sample Figure 2. Reconstruction of U-55Pu-20Zr samples showing the Pu/U rich and Zr depleted
showing the different oxidation region at the edge of the samples that is hypothesized to be a former grain boundary
depths of the components. region.
Only the metallic ions of Zr,
U, and Pu are displayed to
highlight different oxidation
behavior.
PAGE 28
various fuel types. These high spatial resolution microstructure studies are investigating a base U-Pu-Zr alloy in
collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a 52U-20Pu-3Am-2Np-8.0Ln-15Zr fuel composition
that includes both minor actinides (MA) and lanthanides (Ln), and diffusion couples between U-Pu-Zr alloys and
iron (Fe, representing cladding). These studies are the first of their kind with regard to use of the focused ion beam
(FIB) for sample preparation of metallic transmutation fuels (TRU bearing fuel type materials) and the use of the
TEM and its associated techniques (electron diffraction for single phase crystallite structure determination, energy
dispersive spectroscopy for microchemical analysis) to investigate specific microstructural features of the fuel
materials. Data from the U-Pu-Zr work and diffusion couple studies are still forthcoming but some very interesting
and important results from the 52U-20Pu-3Am-2Np-8.0Ln-15Zr study given below.
Many Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies that do not allow the high spatial
resolution possible with TEM have observed the as cast U-Pu-Zr fuels microstructure
to appear as an undefined mixture of light and dark contrast phases but including
also various shading of gray contrast material. It was speculated that this interesting
feature could represent a nanosized grain structure composed of ζ-(U,Pu,Zr) and
-(U,Pu)Zr2 phases. Figure 3 shows a micrograph of a gray shaded area and reveals
that indeed the as-cast microstructure is composed of nano-sized grains on the
order of only a few tens of nanometers across. Electron diffraction analysis strongly
suggests that one of the phases is in fact ζ-(U,Pu,Zr).
The ubiquitous Zr inclusions observed in virtually all U-TRU-Zr fuels have generally Figure 3. TEM micrograph
been interpreted to form due to impurities such as oxygen, nitrogen, silicon, etc. obtained from an as-cast
introduced as part of the feedstock material or from the casting process and should 52U-20Pu-3Am-2Np-8.0Ln-15Zr
exist in the -Zr structure. Single-crystal electron diffraction analyses (Figure 4) on sample showing nano-sized
these inclusions show this isn’t necessarily true and, in fact, the high-Zr inclusions light and dark contrast grain
structure.
have a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure that haven’t been reported previously
in the literature. This study was recently published (D. E. Janney, J. R. Kennedy, J.W.
Madden, T.P. O’Holleran “Crystal structure of high-Zr inclusions in an alloy containing
U, Pu, Np, Am, Zr and rare-earth elements”, J. Nucl. Mater. 448 (2014) 109–112)
Additional interesting findings show that, as previously reported in SEM data, there
are two kinds of RE inclusions: high-Nd (“dark”) and high-Am (“light”). Although all of
the RE inclusions are high in Nd, proportions of other elements differ. High Nd content
inclusions can have significant concentrations of oxygen and low concentrations
of actinides. High Ce content inclusions are also high in Am and have significant
concentrations of Pu. Interestingly, all of the observed high Zr inclusions are adjacent
to high Ce inclusions, but not all high Ce inclusions are adjacent to high-Zr inclusions
(Figure 5). The implications of these observations are still under consideration.
Figure 4. Electron diffraction
pattern from a Zr rich inclusion
along the [110] axis revealing
it to be in the, to date,
unreported face-centered-
Figure 5. Left: high Am
cubic structure.
content RE inclusion
surrounded by high Zr
content inclusion.
Right: combined high Zr
content and high Am
content inclusion.
PAGE 29
Thermal Conductivity Studies and Modeling Developments

Thermal conductivity studies in ITU have continued during the reporting period. The cause for thermal conductivity
decrease associated with increasing fractions of Pu in MOX fuel has been investigated. The results of this study are
published in [Staicu and Barker, Thermal conductivity of heterogeneous LWR MOX fuels, J. Nucl. Mater. 442 (2013)
46-52].
Thermal conductivity degradation of LWR MOX fuel compared to that of pure UO2 is usually attributed to the
substitution of U atoms by Pu. However, Duriez and Philiponneau indicate that the thermal conductivity of MOX is
independent of the Pu content in the ranges 3 - 30 wt. % PuO2. In fact, heterogeneity in the plutonium distribution
in the fuel causes a variation in the local O/M ratio. This feature has a strong impact on the thermal conductivity.
A model quantifying this effect was defined and validated using a new set of Laserflash measurements on
homogeneous and heterogeneous MOX fuels. The stoichiometry perturbations are sufficient to explain the lower
thermal conductivity of heterogeneous MOX fuel when compared to UO2. The effect due to the presence of Pu
in heterogeneous MOX is thus overestimated in the correlations available in literature.
6.0
UO2 ITU
5.5
Thermal conductivity, W m-1 K-1
UO2 Fink
Homogeneous MOX
5.0 11.1 wt. % PuO2
4.5 9.0 wt. % PuO2
5.6 wt. % PuO2
4.0 4.8 wt. % PuO2
3.5
3.0 Heterogeneous MOX
Figure 6. Experimental thermal conductivity
9 wt. % Pu
2.5 7 wt. % Pu of homogeneous and heterogeneous MOX
MOX Duriez compared to UO2 (95 %TD) [from Staicu &
2.0 Barker, 2013].
600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Temperature, K
The oxygen local distribution effect can be expected to disappear in irradiated fuel, as the concentration of
irradiation-induced defects, including oxygen defects, is much higher than the oxygen defects due to non-
stoichiometry. In irradiated fuel both fission and the temperature gradient in the pellet cause oxygen redistribution,
as shown by Lassmann [Lassmann, K., J. Nucl. Mater., 1987. 150: p. 10-16.] and Sari [Sari, C. and G. Schumacher, J.
Nucl. Mater., 1976. 61: p. 192-202]. Therefore, under irradiation a rapid thermal conductivity convergence between
heterogeneous MOX and UO2 can be predicted, due to the overall oxygen sub-lattice evolution with burn-up. This
interpretation is consistent with previous out-of-pile thermal diffusivity measurements at ITU [see e.g. Cozzo, C., et
al., Thermal diffusivity of homogeneous SBR MOX fuel with a burn-up of 35 MWd/kgHM. J. Nucl. Mater., 2010. 400:
p. 213-217. 6. Staicu, D., et al., Thermal conductivity of homogeneous and heterogeneous MOX fuel with up to 44
MWd/kgHM burn-up. J. Nucl. Mater., 2011. 412: p. 129-137].
Positive developments of the collaboration between INL and ITU have occurred in the domain of modeling
and code applications. Such effort has resulted in a paper with joint INL, ITU and University Politecnico di Milano
authorships: G. Pastore, L.P. Swiler, J.D. Hales, S.R. Novascone, D.M. Perez, B.W. Spencer, L. Luzzi, P. Van Uffelen,
R.L. Williamson, “Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of fission gas behavior calculations in engineering-scale fuel
modelling”, J. Nucl. Mater., submitted.
The paper reports about a sensitivity analysis on parameters related to a physics-based model coupling fission gas
release and swelling performed using the BISON fuel performance code.
PAGE 30
Advanced Instrumentation
Two key areas of instrument development at INL in the advancement of laser-based techniques are to determine
mechanical and thermal properties of nuclear fuel and these are the Mechanical Properties Microscope and the
Thermal Conductivity Microscope. These developments come out of the group of Dr. David Hurley.
The Mechanical Properties Microscope (MPM), shown in the left pane of Figure 7, is being designed to operate in
a radiation hot cell environment via remote control manipulation. The MPM provides micron-level mechanical
property information that is commensurate with microstructure heterogeneity. The development of the MPM
connects closely with INL’s larger PIE effort to provide new validation metrics for fundamental computational
material science models. Currently in stage I mockup, the MPM is being used to provide important data on
surrogate fuel samples. One example includes measuring the elastic anisotropy resulting from deformation texture
in UMo fuel surrogates. Another example involves measuring the elastic constants of the UZr system as a function
of composition (data presented in units of GPa in the left-middle pane of Fig. 7).
Figure 7. Left: Photograph of MPM, Left-middle: Elastic constants of UZr system vs. composition (values reported in GPa),
Right-middle: Elastic constants of HT9 vs. temperature (inset: heating furnace), Right: Sample loading capsule.
A high temperature furnace was designed and constructed that can heat samples to 1000 C. The furnace,
which utilizes radiative heating, is shown in the inset of the middle-right pane of Figure 7. To minimize heat transfer
to the environment, the sample chamber is evacuated, which increases the maximum sample temperature and
reduces optical lensing issues. As shown in right-middle pane of Figure 7, the functionality of the furnace has been
demonstrated by measuring the elastic constants of a Ferritic-Martensitic alloy (HT-9) up to 800 C.
The MPM requires optical access to both the top and bottom surfaces of a sample. Irradiated samples also require
preparation and loading in a remote environment. To meet these requirements, a sample capsule along with a
sample loading technique have been developed (right pane of Fig. 7). The sample is held in place by four thin
“J” shaped legs. A notch on the short side of each leg supports the sample. The legs deflect to allow the sample
to be loaded into position. With the sample held captive in the sample holder, the holder is sealed under vacuum
to a quartz tube with a quartz window in the bottom. This sealed capsule containing the sample can then be
transported to the MPM for high temperature measurements. The long thin legs minimize thermal conduction
away from the sample and allow maximum exposure of the sample to the IR radiation from the heating element.
PAGE 31
A similar laser-based instrument, used to measure thermal conductivity, is also being developed. The optical
access requirements for the Thermal Conductivity Microscope are similar to the MPM. As a consequence, some
system components have dual-platform utility. For instance, a similar heating furnace as described above is being
developed for the TCM. Minor changes to the existing furnace will include moving the sample closer to the front
window to enable strong focusing with a microscope objective and removal of the backside window. Moving the
sample closer to the front window will raise issues concerning uniform heating and uniform sample temperature.
These issues are currently being addressed.
Additional activities
The exchange of information and sharing of knowledge between INL and ITU continues as, for example, with the
exchange of know-how on EPMA nuclearization and operation. In addition to regular email communication and
meetings at conferences, dedicated visits were organized. The exchange of information covers all EPMA related
topics such as adaptation of devices to the nuclear environment (e.g. application of coating and decontamination
procedures for sample preparation, hot cell – EPMA lab transport containers and shielded connections for sample
introduction in the device), EPMA related software, reference materials, sample preparation and analytical
methodology. Karen Wright (INL) will visit ITU (P. Poeml, S. Brémier) for 2 weeks in April 2014. Karen will observe how
EPMA of irradiated fuels is performed at ITU. The objective is also to share tips and compare the daily practices of
the 2 laboratories. The specific case of EPMA on metallic fuel alloys is a topic of interest for ITU whereas INL benefits
from the general experience of handling irradiated materials developed in ITU. INL participates in the informal
group of shielded microprobe users that ITU launched some years ago. INL and ITU participate in the forum of users
of the “Probe for EPMA” software that both laboratories use.
INL and ITU will co-organise a nuclear related symposium at the next Microscopy and Microanalysis conference in
Hartford, US in 08/2014.
The exchanges on the EPMA are considered as a fruitful example by the researchers involved. This type of
collaboration will be extended to the FIB. In this case, INL is already operating a FIB on irradiated fuel whereas ITU is
still at an installation stage. Another area where technical exchanges and synergies are envisaged is the thermal
transport characterization of irradiated fuel using techniques that cover different scale ranges (from micron to
millimetre).
Planned Activities
Continue to find resolution to the issues associated with sample sharing transport of higher level radioactive
materials, including fuels. The identification of a viable transport solution to exchange samples between INL and
ITU is essential for the deployment of the full scope of the present collaboration program. Until a solution is found,
the scope of the joint work will remain forcibly limited.
Continue interactions related to post irradiation examinations with emphasis on operation of EPMA as well as
advanced technique development such as micro X-ray diffraction, focused ion beam (FIB), thermal conductivity
measurements, and mechanical property measurements.
PAGE 32
Development of a 2E- Project Number: 2011-001-E
2V Instrument for Fission

Fragment Research
PI (U.S.): Fredrik Tovesson, Los Alamos
National Laboratory
PI (Euratom): Stephan Oberstedt, Joint

Research Center–Institute for Reference
Research Objectives
Materials and Measurementss
The objective of the project is to produce accurate data files of
fission measurements and evaluations for several key isotopes Collaborators: Idaho National
over the incident neutron energy range relevant to present and Laboratory
future nuclear applications. Design, optimization, and safety
Program Area: Reactor Concepts
assessment of future fast reactor systems require improved RD&D
fission fragment nuclear data for major and minor actinides. The
project will contribute to the ENDF/B-VII and JEFF 3.1 nuclear data Start Date: October 2011
libraries.
End Date: September 2014
The research team is developing instrumentation for high-

resolution measurements of fission product velocity, energy, and
nuclear charge. The resulting data provides fission product mass
and the corresponding yield curves. This work supports ongoing
developments at two spectrometer facilities: the VERDI (VElocity
foR Direct particle Identification) spectrometer at the Institute for
Reference Materials and Measurements, and a similar dual-
arm spectrometer at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
The current VERDI spectrometer measures energy and velocity
from only one of the two fission products emitted in binary fission
(hence, 1E-1V), while the advanced instruments will simultaneously
measure both fission fragments (2E-2V). In addition, the LANL
dual-arm instrument will also use Bragg curve spectroscopy to
measure nuclear charge.
The collaboration consists of exchange of expertise and

technologies, joint experimental efforts, sharing of detector
designs, and communication of technical and scientific
information. The two instruments are being developed in
parallel, and the teams share technologies that benefit the
joint program. Experimental activities are also being carried
out with other facilities at both laboratories, including the Geel
Linear Accelerator (GELINA), the 7-MV Van de Graaff neutron
source (MONNET), and the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center
(LANSCE). Key project tasks are as follows:
• Complete the design study.
• Prepare prototype design/technical report.
• Conduct initial measurements.
PAGE 33
Research Progress
Work during the first year focused on testing the individual parts of the detector array to develop a
design for the full system. In order to build a 2E-2V instrument with high resolution, it is necessary to
design detectors that measure time of flight with high timing resolution (100–200 picoseconds [ps])
and an instrument that provides high- resolution (<1%) energy measurements of fission fragments.
Researchers completed testing of a time-of-

flight instrument based on thin conversion foils,
electrostatic mirrors and ultra- fast micro channel
plates. The system’s timing resolution was tested
with fission fragments from a Cf-252 spontaneous
fission source and with alpha particles from a Th-
229 calibration source. As shown in Figure 1, the
measurement using the Th-229 source indicates five
peaks in the time-of-flight histogram— one for each
of the five main alpha-particle energies. The time
resolution extracted from this measurement is 190 ps,
corresponding to 135 ps per detector, which meets
the design requirement. Based on these results, the
project team decided to use this basic design for Figure 1. Time-of-flight measurement of alpha- particles from a Th-229
the time-of-flight section of the full instrument. calibration source (black points) overlap the simulation (red line). The
time resolution was determined to be 190 ps (full width at half maximum
[FWHM]) based on this measurement.
Detection efficiency of the time-of-flight detectors is
important to ensure high counting statistics in fission
yield measurements. Using a calibration source, the
research team evaluated efficiency by registering
coincidences between the timing detector and a
silicon detector. The number of coincidences was
measured for different accelerating potentials on the
timing detector’s electrostatic mirror, and the result
is shown in Figure 2. The efficiency for alpha-particles
was shown to be about 70% and fairly insensitive to
the acceleration potential. The next step will be to
check the efficiency for fission fragments, which is
expected to be significantly higher because of their
higher specific ionization in the conversion foil.
The project team also designed a first ionization Figure 2. Efficiency of the timing detectors for alpha-particles as a function
chamber prototype for fission fragment energy of accelerating potential on the electrostatic mirror.
measurements, shown in Figure 3a. In this case,
a tri-isotope alpha-source was used to investigate
the resolution, which was determined to be 1.1% (see Figure 3b). This still needs to be improved
slightly, and there is work in progress to build a second prototype that will be run with different
counting gases, at lower pressures, and with more sophisticated signal processing to further
improve the resolution.
PAGE 34
High-Fidelity Thermal Project Number: 2012-001-E
Hydraulic Fuel Assembly

Simulations for Nuclear
PI (U.S.): Elia Merzari, Argonne National
Laboratory
Reactors PI (Euratom): Ferry Roelofs, Nuclear

Research and Consultancy Group
Collaborators: Ghent University,

This project engages in cross-code verification of the high- SCK•CEN (Belgian Nuclear Research
fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models applied to Centre)
nuclear reactor core flows. The aim is to systematically cross- Program Area: Reactor Concepts
verify the models of the four partner institutions in nuclear reactor RD&D
core geometries characterized by either rod bundles or pebble
beds, using common data shared among team members. A Project Start Date: October 2012
more reliable methodology can reduce arbitrary safety margins
Project End Date: September 2015
and the need for testing new designs and lead to improved
design efficiency. However, proposed methodologies must be
thoroughly verified and validated. There is currently a scarcity of
useful experimental data to validate high-fidelity computations
in complex geometries such as those in reactor cores.
At Argonne National Laboratory, the Simulation-based High-
efficiency Advanced Reactor Prototyping (SHARP) project is a
multi-divisional collaborative effort to develop a modern set of
design and analysis tools for advanced nuclear reactors. With the
SHARP suite, users construct highly detailed component models
using high-fidelity methods or complex virtual reactor models
that accurately reproduce the multi-physics behavior of nuclear
reactor cores. The Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group
employs primarily the commercial STAR-CCM+ finite volume CFD
code, while Ghent University and SCK•CEN both use the ANSYS
suite of codes. These codes will be compared using commonly
agreed benchmarks.
The project objectives are to 1) systematically verify high-fidelity

computational tools in the two geometries under examination
(rod bundles and pebble beds) and 2) identify potential
experiments to be used in validation exercises. By exchanging
information and benchmark results, the researchers will be able
to identify discrepancies or concerns with current predicting
technologies. With these concerns identified, the team will then
propose an experimental plan for validation.
The project involves three major tasks:

• Verification of large eddy simulation (LES) or direct numerical
simulation (DNS) CFD codes for rod bundle flows and related
analysis. Rod bundles in nuclear reactors are typically spaced by
PAGE 35
rigid mechanical devices such as wires or grids. The presence of such devices complicates the flow considerably,
and the lack of detailed experiments makes CFD validation problematic. The participants will work toward
verifying numerical simulations pertaining to rod bundle flows.
• Verification of DNS/LES CFD code for pebble bed flows and related analysis. Participants will simulate pebble
bed core flows and compare results. Future work will focus on finding efficient ways to accurately compute the
flow in a realistic random pebble bed.
• Experimental plan for validation of LES/DNS codes for rod bundles and pebble beds. Based on the results of
the two tasks above, the research team will devise a separate effects experimental plan to validate high-fidelity
CFD codes.
As part of the first task, In the first year, a benchmark simulation campaign of the flow in a 7 pin rod bundle
with wire-wrappers was conducted. The wire-wrapped bundle is a complex configuration for which few data
are available for verification and validation of new simulation tools. The European collaborators performed
their simulations with commercially available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes. High-fidelity large-
eddy simulations (LES) were performed at Argonne with Nek5000, the open-source, high-performance CFD tool
pert of the Simulation-based High-efficiency Advanced Reactor Prototyping (SHARP) suite. Comparisons were
conducted at Argonne National Laboratory and summarized in an Argonne Report [1]. A meeting of the three
institutions was also conducted in Ghent (Belgium).
Comparison of the results obtained by the three institutions with Nek5000 results has shown good agreement, at
least for the cross-flow data (Fig. 1). The collaborators is analyzing the results further and will define additional
simulations, with the objective of a comprehensive journal publication.
FIGURE 1. One fo the cross flow comparisons in the 7 pin rod bundle benchmark – Central pin. Cross flows are
normalized by Ubulk*g (where g is the gap size without wire).
For the fiscal year 2013-2014, the collaborators continue working on wire-wrappers simulation. In particular the
focus is on a conjugate heat transfer benchmark (i.e., heat transport is being simulated both in the coolant and
the cladding) for a 19-pin rod bundle. The benchmark features geometry characteristics similar to the MYRRHA fuel
assembly design. High fidelity calculations will again be performed at Argonne while the European counterpart
will perform calculations with commercial software. Comparisons will be conducted at NRG, and a meeting of
the participants is currently planned for September 2014 in Brussels.
For the fiscal year 2013-2014, the collaborators continue working on wire-wrappers simulation. In particular the
focus is on a conjugate heat transfer benchmark (i.e., heat transport is being simulated both in the coolant and
the cladding) for a 19-pin rod bundle. The benchmark features geometry characteristics similar to the MYRRHA fuel
assembly design. High fidelity calculations will again be performed at Argonne while the European counterpart
PAGE 36
will perform calculations with commercial software. Comparisons will be conducted at NRG, and a meeting of
the participants is currently planned for September 2014 in Brussels.
As part of the the second task, a set of pebble bed simulations have been conducted at Argonne National
laboratory (Fig. 2) and compared with available DNS data from NRG. The new data produced at Argonne
represents a very high resolution DNS dataset. Velocity, turbulence statistics and turbulence “budgets” have
been collected at various Reynolds numbers. This data will be invaluable for further verifying lower fidelity models
such as Reynolds averaging Navier-Stokes (RANS) and LES-based simulations. In particular, this is the first instance
turbulence budgets have been collected for pebble geometries to our knowledge. This type of data is invaluable
for RANS model development, as it allows verification and improvement of specific terms in the modeling of the
transport equations for the turbulent kinetic energy.
FIGURE 2. Pebble bed simulations at Argonne. (left) View of the computational domain and cross section with
snapshot of the instantaneous velocity magnitude (right) volume rendering of the velocity field.
The new data conforms the presence of an asymmetry in the flow field. Moreover the velocity profile was proven
to depend upon the Reynolds number, with an increasing degree of asymmetry at higher Reynolds numbers.
Linear stability calculations performed at Argonne hint that this phenomenon might be due to the presence of a
fundamental asymmetric mode in the transition from laminar to turbulent flow [2].
For the present year, work on the second task continues at Argonne on the simulation of pebble beds with
different parameters and domain sizes. Simulations of single pebble domains continue to be conducted at
different Reynolds number while simulations are being extended to multiple-pebble domain with groundbreaking
DNS simulations.
[1] E. Merzari, P. Fischer, “BENCHMARK EXERCISE FOR FLUID FLOW SIMULATIONS IN A LIQUID METAL FAST REACTOR CORE”, Technical Report
ANL/NE 13-20, Argonne National Laboratory, 2013
[2] P. Ward, E. Merzari, Y. Hassan and P. Fischer, “DIRECT NUMERICAL SIMULATION AND LINEAR STABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE FLOW IN A PEBBLE
BED”, Proceedings of FEDSM2014 (accepted)
PAGE 37
Novel Technology Project Number: 2013-001-E
For Synthesis of Nuclear

Fuels
PI (U.S.): Kenneth McClellan, Los
Alamos National Laboratory
PI (Euratom): Joseph Somers,

Joint Research Center-Institute for
This project investigates advanced net shaping technology for Collaborators: Idaho National
nuclear fuel/target applications. The U.S. contribution to this Laboratory, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, University of Florida
collaborative research effort will be performed under the DOE
Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FCR&D) program. The Program Area: Fuel Cycle R&D:
EURATOM contribution will be performed under Euratom FP7 and
HORIZON 2020 programs on Safety of Nuclear Fuel Project Start Date: October 2013
This project will advance the field of novel compaction Project End Date: September 2016
technology for advanced fuel systems where conventional routes
are not viable. Advanced fuels being studied for enhanced
accident tolerance and for actinide transmutation often have
unique characteristics which make conventional sintering routes
undesirable for or incapable of yielding the required fuel pellet
characteristics. For illustration, one example is UO2-composite
fuels with second phases for increased thermal conductivity that
have deleterious reactions with the UO2 fuel above operating
temperatures but below temperatures required to sinter a high
quality fuel pellet. A second example is nitride fuels/targets which
require such high temperatures for traditional sintering that there
is an undesirably high loss of both Pu and Am due to volatilization
during the sintering steps. Advanced compaction techniques,
such as field assisted sintering and spark plasma sintering, offer
the potential to generate these advanced fuel systems at
reduced temperatures such that the damaging reactions and
material loss are avoided.
Work on this project will focus on employing novel sintering

techniques for several advanced fuel systems. The collaboration
will enable efficient development and communication of not only
process/structure relations for a set of ceramic fuel compositions
but will also facilitate enhanced understanding of the effects
of applied field and current on the processing behavior for
advanced ceramic fuels, including oxide, nitride, carbide, silicide
and boride based fuel systems. Finally, this collaboration will also
enhance the necessary understanding for efficient assessment
of process limiting interactions and therefore understanding
when alternatives to conventional sintered should be employed.
PAGE 38
This project will integrate the various embryonic advanced processing activities ongoing at
each participating institution which will in turn allow this effort to encompass several field assisted
sintering techniques employed for a range of ceramic systems. The primary techniques and
materials systems for each institution are:
Los Alamos National Laboratory: Compare and contrast process/structure/property relations

of multi-component, multi-phase advanced (high fissile density, U-based) ceramic fuel systems
fabricated by both field assisted sintering and conventional sintering.
Idaho National Laboratory: Spark plasma sintering, microstructural characterization and property
optimization of high fissile density ceramic-based fuels.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory: Thermodynamic and thermo-kinetic assessment of composite

fuel interaction to inform advanced processing parameters.
University of Florida: Spark plasma sintering, microstructural characterization and property

optimization of UO2/nano-diamond fuels with enhanced thermal conductivity.
Joint Research Center- Institute for Transuranium Elements: Adaptation of spark plasma sintering
to plutonium environment for the comparison of oxide, nitride and carbide materials compaction
using conventional press and sinter routes
PAGE 39
Phase Equilibria and Project Number: 2013-002-E
Thermochemistry of Fission
Products in Urania Fuel
PI (U.S.): Theodore Besmann, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory
PI (Euratom): Rudy J. M. Konings,

Joint Research Centre-Institute for
The specific objective of the proposed I-NERI is to develop data Collaborators: Advanced nuclear fuels
and models for complex urania solid solutions and secondary and materials
phases with fission products (FPs). For example, a complete Program Area: Fuel Cycle R&D
data set for RE FPs in urania is lacking, and there has yet to be
a definitive study as to how molybdenum behaves in fuel and Project Start Date: October 2013
does the element indeed provide control over oxygen potential.
It is the oxygen potential generated in the oxide fuel that is the
source of the oxidation of the inner surface of cladding. As
alternative cladding concepts are explored, understanding
this relationship will be key to determining oxidation of the
metals. New and literature reported measurements of chemical
activities and determination of phase equilibria will be coupled
with development of solid solution representations, most notably
the compound energy formalism for fluorite structure urania
containing additional metals. The thermodynamics of the
dissolution of FPs in urania, including representation of oxygen
potential-composition-temperature relations and consideration
of potential secondary phases of selected fission products will
be developed. The data will be used to generate optimized
solid solution models, and determine formation of secondary
phases. This information will allow development of an inclusive
thermodynamic datafile for oxide fuel undergoing burnup,
including the various solid solutions in addition to fluorite structure
urania. Such thermochemical datafiles will be usable in fuel
performance codes currently under development.
The project involves the following tasks:
• Modeling Urania-Yttria. Extensive literature review and data-

mining will be undertaken to obtain current phase equilibria
and thermodynamic values for urania-yttria. The data will be
assessed to determine a self-consistent set of information and
a database will be generated. The base models for urania
and uranium phases from Gueneau et al. (2011) will be used.
Critical measurements that are needed to model the urania-
yttria system will be identified and a series of TGA experiments
PAGE 40
will be developed to determine the needed values. The data along with literature values will
be used directly in computing constituent free energies and solution interaction parameters
in optimizations. (ORNL)
• Modeling Urania-Praseodymia: The task described above for urania-yttria will be repeated
for the urania-praseodymia system. (ORNL)
• Modeling Molybdenum Compounds in Urania Fuel: The literature on the thermodynamic

properties relevant molybdenum compounds (binary oxides and ternary oxides with cesium
and barium) will be collected and reviewed and recommended data will be presented. The
evaluation and applied models will be consistent with other databases for nuclear materials.
(JRC-ITU)
• Modeling Ruthenium/Zirconium Compounds in Urania Fuel: The task described above for
urania-yttria will be repeated ruthenium and zirconium. (JRC-ITU)
• Development of Joint ORNL-JRC-ITU Datafile: A datafile for use with the FactSage
thermochemical software will be generated, initially using the already obtained urania
models. This will serve as the baseline set of models into which the various FP elements can
be included. The datafile will also be made available to the OECD-Nuclear Energy Agency
project on Thermodynamic of Advanced Fuels – International Database. (ORNL – JRC-ITU)
PAGE 41
Petten High FLux Reactor

Photo courtsey of Euratom
PAGE 42
4.2 United States–Republic of Korea

Collaborative Projects
Director William D. Magwood IV of DOE-NE signed the first bilateral I-NERI agreement on May 16,
2001, with Director General Chung Won Cho with the ROK, signing for the ROK Ministry of Science
and Technology. The first U.S.–ROK collaborative research projects were awarded in FY 2002,
with a total of 49 projects awarded to date.
Areas of mutual interest between the two countries cover next-generation reactor and fuel cycle
technology concepts that increase efficiency, safety, reliability and proliferation resistance;
innovative nuclear plant design, manufacturing, construction, operation, maintenance and
decommissioning activities; reactor safety; and fundamental nuclear sciences. Ongoing projects
and fuel cycle R&D will be completed; however, any new collaborative efforts in these specific
will be consolidated under the U.S.-ROK Joint Fuel Cycle Study.
Four U.S.–ROK projects were completed, while efforts continued on five projects. Three new
projects were selected for award, and started in 2013.
Table 1 is an overview listing of completed, on-going, and new I-NERI U.S.-ROK projects, followed
by summaries of their FY 2013 accomplishments and overviews.
Project Number** Project Title Completion Year
2010-001-K Investigation of Electrochemical Recovery of Zirconium 2013

from Spent Nuclear Fuels
2010-002-K Science-Based Approach to Nickel Alloy Aging and its 2013
Effect on Cracking in Pressurized Water Reactors
2010-003-K Low-Loss Advanced Metallic Fuel Casting Evaluation 2013
2010-004-K Development and Characterization of Nanoparticle- 2013
Strengthened Dual-Phase Alloys for High-Temperature
Nuclear Reactor Applications
2011-001-K Atomic Ordering in Alloy 690 and Its Effect on Long-Term 2014
Structural Stability and Stress Corrosion Cracking Susceptibility
2011-002-K Development of Microcharacterization Techniques for 2014
Nuclear Materials
2011-003-E Verification and Validation of High-Fidelity Multi-Physics 2014
Simulation Codes for Advanced Nuclear Reactors
2011-004-K Development of Diagnostics and Prognostics Methods for 2014
Sustainability of Nuclear Power Plant Safety Critical Functions
2011-005-K Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated Replacement Fuel for Light 2014
Water Reactor Sustainability
2013-001-K Generation of Physics Validation Database and Analysis of 2016
Fast Reactor Depletion Capability
2013-002-K Science-Based Approach to Nickel Alloy Aging and Its Effect 2016
on Cracking in Pressurized Water Reactors
2013-003-KNuclear Energy Research
International Low-Loss Advanced Metallic Fuel Casting Evaluation
Initiative 2016
* Completed in FY 2013
PAGE 43
Investigation of Project Number: 2010-001-K
Electrochemical Recovery
of Zirconium from
PI (U.S.): Michael Simpson, Idaho
National Laboratory
Spent Nuclear Fuels PI (ROK): Il-Soon Hwang, Seoul National

University
Collaborators: Korea Atomic Energy

Research Institute, University of Idaho
Research Objectives
This project uses both modeling and experimental studies Program Area: Fuel Cycle R&D
to design optimal electrochemical technology methods for
Project Start Date: December 2010
recovery of zirconium from used nuclear fuel rods for more
effective waste management. The objectives are to provide Project End Date: November 2013
a means of efficiently separating zirconium into metallic high-
level waste forms and to support development of a process
for decontamination of zircaloy hulls to enable their disposal
as low- and intermediate-level waste. Modeling work includes
extension of a 3D model previously developed by Seoul National
University for uranium electrorefining by adding the ability to
predict zirconium behavior. Experimental validation activities
include tests for recovery of zirconium from molten salt solutions
and aqueous tests using surrogate materials.
Research Progress
To investigate dissolution and deposition behavior of zirconium
in molten salt, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and
anodic stripping voltammetry were conducted with molten salts
consisting of LiCl-KCl-ZrCl4, LiCl-KCl-UCl3, and LiCl-KCl-UCl3-ZrCl4
at 500°C. Details of the oxidation and reduction reactions for
each peak were defined based on an electrolysis experiment
and previous cyclic voltammetry results from literature. For the
zirconium reduction, Zr(IV), is reduced to ZrCl rather than Zr metal
when cathode potential is not negative enough. Therefore,
to directly recover zirconium metal, the cathode potential
should be maintained at less than -1.5V (vs. Ag/AgCl). From
the electrochemical tests performed, key physical properties
(diffusion coefficient, standard reduction potential, and activity
coefficient) were measured.
PAGE 44
!
! International Nuclear
Table 1. Summary ofEnergy Research and
Electrochemical Initiative
thermodynamic properties of UCl3 and ZrCl4 in LiCl-KCl.
Table Year
!Fiscal 1. Summary of Electrochemical
2013 Annual Report and thermodynamic properties of UCl3 and ZrCl4 in LiCl-KCl.
!
Apparent standard reduction Activity
Diffusion coefficient, D (cm2/s) Apparent standard reduction Activity !
Diffusion coefficient, D (cm /s) 2 potential, E* (V vs Cl 2 /Cl -) coefficient,
! potential, E* (V vs Cl2/Cl-) coefficient, !
! Table
Table 1 1.summarized
Summary the values
of Electrochemical for these
and 550 properties
thermodynamic measured for U(IV), U(III),ZrCl
Zr(IV), and Zr(II). 500 °C
450 °C 500 °C °C 450properties
°C 500of UCl
°C 3 and 550 4 in
°CLiCl-KCl.
! Table 1. Summary 450 °C of Electrochemical
500 °C and 550 thermodynamic
°C 450properties
°C 500of UCl
°C 3 and ZrCl 5504 in °CLiCl-KCl. 500 °C
! U(IV) 0.00236 –
--- 6.72!10-6 --- --- -1.448 --- 0.00236
U(IV) --- 6.72!10-6 D (cm--- Apparent
--- standard reduction
-1.448 --- 0.0109 –
Activity
Diffusion coefficient, 2/s)
Apparent standard reduction Activity
0.0109
Diffusion coefficient, D (cm2/s) potential, E* (V vs Cl2/Cl ) - coefficient,
4.86!10-5 – !
U(III) --- 1.04!10-5 --- ---
potential, -2.568
E* (V vs Cl --- -)
2/Cl coefficient,
4.86!10 -5 – !
U(III) 450 ---°C 1.04!10
500 °C
-5
550 ---°C 450---°C -2.568
500 °C 550 --- °C 4.42!10
500 °C
-4
450 °C -6 500 °C-6 550 °C-6 450 °C 500 °C 550 °C 4.42!10

500 °C
-4
Zr(IV) 5.85!10 5.05!10 7.88!10 -2.012 -1.972 -1.914 ---
0.00236 –
Zr(IV)
U(IV) 5.85!10
--- -5
-6 5.05!10-6
6.72!10
-6 7.88!10 --- -5
-6 -2.012
--- -1.972
-1.448 -1.914
--- ---
0.00236 –
Zr(II)
U(IV) 4.73!10
--- -5 6.87!10
6.72!10
-5
-6 6.33!10 --- -5 -2.234
--- -2.190
-1.448 -2.138
--- ---
0.0109
Zr(II) 4.73!10 6.87!10-5 6.33!10 -2.234 -2.190 -2.138 ---
0.0109
4.86!10-5 –
U(III) --- 1.04!10-5 --- --- -2.568 --- 4.86!10
4.42!10-4–
-5
U(III)
Cobalt is the --- impurity 1.04!10 -5
of interest in --- the zircaloy --- -2.568 Cyclic---
cladding. 4.42!10-4
Cobalt
Zr(IV) is 5.85!10 the impurity-6 of interest
5.05!10 -6 in the
7.88!10 -6 zircaloy
-2.012 cladding. -1.972 Cyclic -1.914 ---
voltammetry
Zr(IV) for
5.85!10-5 cobalt
-6 was
5.05!10-5 -6 conducted,
7.88!10 -6 and it
-2.012 was revealed
-1.972 that
-1.914 ---
voltammetry
Zr(II) 4.73!10for cobalt 6.87!10was conducted, 6.33!10-5 and it was -2.190
-2.234 revealed that -2.138 ---
oxidation
Zr(II) and reduction
4.73!10 -5 6.87!10reactions
-5 of cobalt
6.33!10 -5 are much-2.190
-2.234 simpler than -2.138 ---
oxidation and reduction reactions of cobalt are much simpler than
zirconium. Cobalt is also more reductive than zirconium. In addition,
zirconium. CobaltofisElectrochemical
Table 1. Summary also more reductive and thermodynamic than zirconium.properties In addition,
lab-scale
Cobalt is electrorefining
the impurity of interest
of Zircaloy-4 in was the performed
zircaloy and of
cladding. UCl3 and
results areZrCl4 in LiCl-KCl.
Cyclic
lab-scale
Cobalt is electrorefining
the impurity of
of Zircaloy-4
interest in was
the performed
zircaloy and
cladding. results are
Cyclic
summarized
voltammetry
Cobalt is the inforTable
impurity cobalt
of 2. Anode
was in
interest potential
conducted,
the zircaloy was
and controlled
cladding.it was Cyclic to
revealed prevent
voltammetry that for cobalt was
summarized
voltammetry in Table
for elements
cobalt was2. Anode potential
conducted, was
and controlled
it was revealed to preventthat
dissolutionand
oxidation
conducted, of
andall reduction
it elements
was revealed except
reactions that zirconium.
of cobalt
oxidation Composition
and are much simpler
reduction of cathode
reactions than
of cobalt are much
dissolutionand
oxidation of allreduction except
reactions zirconium.
of cobalt Composition
are much of cathode
simpler than
deposits
zirconium.
simpler than was
Cobaltevaluated
zirconium. is also by
Cobalt ICP-MS
more is analysis.
reductive
also more Zirconium
than
reductive zirconium.
than ofzirconium.
99.7
In wt% was
addition,
In addition, lab-scale
deposits was
zirconium. Cobaltevaluated is alsoby ICP-MS
more analysis.
reductive Zirconium
than zirconium. of 99.7 InFe wt% was
addition,
recoveredelectrorefining
lab-scale
electrorefining onofthe cathode
Zircaloy-4 of
waswith Fe andwas
Zircaloy-4
performed Crand inmpurities.
performed
results areSince
and andare
results
summarized Cr
in Table 2. Anode
recoveredelectrorefining
lab-scale on the cathode of with Fe andwas
Zircaloy-4 Cr inmpurities.
performed Since Fe andare
and results Cr
came
summarized
potential from the
in
was controlled initial
Table molten
2. Anode salt, it is
potential speculated was that
controlled pre-purification
to prevent
came from
summarized the
insalt initial to
Table
prevent
molten
2. lead
Anode
dissolution
salt, it is speculated
potential
of all elements except zirconium. Composition of
that pre-purification
was controlled to prevent
of the molten
dissolution
cathode of all
deposits was could
elements
evaluated excepttoby achieving
zirconium.
ICP-MS almost
analysis. 100% Zr purity
Composition
Zirconium ofof99.7 on
cathode
wt% the was recovered on
of the molten
dissolution of saltelements
all could lead exceptto achieving
zirconium. almost 100% Zr purity
Composition of on
cathode the
cathode.
deposits
the cathode was evaluated
with Fe and by
Cr ICP-MS analysis.
inmpurities. Since Fe Zirconium
and Cr cameof 99.7
from wt%
the was molten salt, it is
initial
cathode.was evaluated by ICP-MS analysis. Zirconium of 99.7 wt% was
deposits
recoveredthat
speculated on the cathode with
pre-purification Femolten
ofspecimen
the and Crsalt inmpurities.
could lead Since Fe andalmost
to achieving Cr 100% Zr purity
Table
recovered2. Composition
on the cathode of Zircaloy-4 with Fe and and cathode
Cr inmpurities. deposits.
Since Fe and Cr
came
Table 2. from the
Composition
on the cathode. initialof molten
Zircaloy-4 salt,
specimen it is speculated
and cathode that pre-purification
deposits.
came from the initial molten salt, it is speculated that pre-purification
of the Zircaloy-4
molten salt could lead to achieving
specimen Deposits almost
with100%LiCl-KCl Zr purity on the Deposits except LiCl-KCl
of the Zircaloy-4
molten salt could lead to achieving
specimen Deposits almost
with 100%
LiCl-KCl Zr purity on the Deposits except LiCl-KCl
cathode.
Element wt% Element wt% Element wt%
cathode.
Zr 98.6 Zr 79.1 Zr 99.7
Table 2. Zr Composition of Zircaloy-4 98.6 specimenZr and cathode deposits. 79.1 Zr 99.7
Table 2. Sn Composition of 1.104 Zircaloy-4 specimenSn and cathode deposits. 0 Sn 0
Sn 1.104 Sn 0 Sn 0
Fe
Zircaloy-4 specimen 0.1595 Fe
Deposits with LiCl-KCl 0.1 Fe
Deposits 0.2
except LiCl-KCl
Fe
Zircaloy-4 specimen 0.1595 Fe
Deposits with LiCl-KCl 0.1 Fe
Deposits 0.2
except LiCl-KCl
Cr
Element 0.0830
wt% ElementCr 0.1
wt% Cr
Element 0.1
wt%
Cr
Element 0.0830
wt% ElementCr 0.1
wt% Cr
Element 0.1
wt%
Co
Zr 0.0016
98.6 CoZr 0
79.1 CoZr 0
99.7
Co
Zr 0.0016
98.6 CoZr 0
79.1 CoZr 0
99.7
SnLi N/D
1.104 Li
Sn 1.2
0 Li
Sn -0
SnLi N/D
1.104 Li
Sn 1.2
0 Li
Sn -0
FeK N/D
0.1595 K
Fe 19.4
0.1 K
Fe -
0.2
FeK N/D
0.1595 K
Fe 19.4
0.1 K
Fe -
0.2
Two pilot Cr scale Zircaloy 0.0830 cladding electrorefiners Cr 0.1
were designed. One is Cr 0.1
Two pilot Cr 0.0830 Cr 0.1 One is Cr 0.1
anTable Co scale Zircaloy
electrorefiner 0.0016 cladding electrorefiners Co were designed.
and0 another is aCo 0
2. Compositionincluding
Co
an electrorefiner Zircaloy-4 auxiliary
of0.0016
including specimen Co
auxiliary
electrode,
and cathode deposits.
electrode, and 0 another is aCo 0
rotatingLi drum cell electrorefiner. N/D Li
Characteristics of each 1.2electrorefiner Li -
rotating Li drum cell electrorefiner. N/D Li
Characteristics of each 1.2electrorefiner Li -
Two pilot Kscale Zircaloy cladding
N/D electrorefiners
were simulated via a three-dimensional multi-species electrodeposition K were designed. 19.4One is an electrorefiner
K including -
were K
simulated via a N/D
three-dimensional K multi-species 19.4
electrodeposition K -
auxiliary
model.
Two pilot electrode,
Itscale
was Zircaloy and another
predicted thatis a
cladding rotating
a electrorefiners
very high drum cell
purity
were electrorefiner.
zirconium
designed. canCharacteristics
One beis of each
model.
Two pilotItscale
electrorefiner was
were predicted
Zircaloy
simulated thata a
cladding
via very high purity
electrorefiners
three-dimensional were zirconium
designed.
multi-species can One beis
electrodeposition model. It
deposited
an on
electrorefiner the main
includingcathode, auxiliaryand most of the
electrode, other
and elements
another can
is a
deposited
an
was predicted on
electrorefiner the
that amain
including
very cathode,
high auxiliary
purity and
zirconium most of
electrode,
can the
be other
and
deposited elements
anotheron the can
is a
main cathode, and
be dissolved
rotating drumfrom the anode andCharacteristics
cell electrorefiner. deposited on of aneachauxiliary cathode.
electrorefiner
be dissolved
rotating
most of thedrum
otherfrom
cell the anode
electrorefiner.
elements can and
be deposited
Characteristics
dissolved from onthe ananode
of auxiliary
each cathode.
electrorefiner
and deposited on an auxiliary
Furthermore,
were simulated it isvia expected that zirconium
a three-dimensional metal rather
multi-species than ZrCl can
electrodeposition
Furthermore,
were
cathode. simulated it isvia
Furthermore, expected
aitcathode, that zirconium
three-dimensional
is expected that metal
multi-species
zirconium metal rather than
thanZrCl
electrodeposition
rather ZrClcan can
be obtained on the
model. It was predicted that a very high purity zirconium since its potential can be controlledcan to be obtained on
be
be
model.
the obtained on
It negative
was the
predicted cathode, that since
a Ag/AgCl).
very its potential
high to purity can be
zirconiumcontrolledcan to
be
deposited on the main cathode, and most of the other elements can (vs. Ag/AgCl).
be cathode,
more since its potential
than -1.5Vcan be
(vs. controlled Forbe more
the negative
rotating drumthan -1.5V
cell
be
For more
deposited
the rotatingnegative
on drumthe than
main -1.5V
cathode, and
cell electrorefiner, (vs. Ag/AgCl).
uniform For
mostcontacting the
of hulls
the other rotating drum
elements
of cladding hullscell
canwith the molten salt
electrorefiner,
be dissolved uniform
from the contacting
anode andof cladding
deposited on anwith the
auxiliary molten
cathode. salt
electrorefiner,
be
can dissolved
be achieved, uniform
from and the contacting
anode
chlorine gas and can of cladding
deposited
be readily hulls
on an
collectedwith the molten
auxiliary
from thecathode.
anode. salt
can be achieved,
Furthermore, and chlorine
it is expected thatgas can bemetal
zirconium readily collected
rather than from ZrCl can the
can be achieved,
Furthermore, and chlorine
it is expected thatgas can bemetal
zirconium readily collected
rather than from ZrCl can the
anode.
be obtained on the cathode, since its potential can be controlled to
anode.
be obtained on the cathode, since its potential can be controlled to
be more negative than -1.5V (vs. Ag/AgCl). For the rotating drum cell
be more negative than -1.5V (vs. Ag/AgCl). For the rotating drum cell
electrorefiner, uniform contacting of cladding hulls with the molten salt
electrorefiner, uniform contacting of cladding hulls with the molten salt
can be achieved, and chlorine gas can be readily collected from the
anode.
anode.
PAGE 45
450 °C 500 °C Zircaloy-4
550 °C specimen 450 °C 500 °C Deposits 550 °Cwith LiCl-KCl 500 °C Deposits except LiCl-KCl
Element wt% Element wt%
0.00236 – Element wt%
U(IV) ! International
--- Nuclear Energy
6.72!10 -6 Researcha
--- Initiative
--- -1.448 ---
Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Report Zr 98.6 Zr 0.0109
79.1 Zr 99.7
International Nuclear Energy Research Sn Initiative 1.104 Sn 4.86!10
0 -5 – Sn 0
U(III) --- 1.04!10 -5 --- --- -2.568 ---
Fiscal Year
! 2013 Annual Report Fe 0.1595 Fe 4.42!10-4
0.1 Fe 0.2
Zr(IV) ! 5.85!10-6 5.05!10-6 7.88!10
Cr -6 -2.012
0.0830 -1.972 Cr-1.914 0.1 --- Cr 0.1
Zr(II) Chemical
4.73!10-5 composition
6.87!10-5 and mass
6.33!10
Co -5 balance
-2.234
0.0016 of both
-2.190 batches
Co were
-2.138 measured
0 --- and usedCo 0
to determine fuel loss levels. Li All batches N/Dcast well. MLia s s b a l a n c 1.2 e s f o r e a c h Li -
composition are show K n in the fo N/Dl l o w i n g t a b l Ke s : 19.4 K -
Cobalt is the impurity of interest in the zircaloy cladding. Cyclic
Table 3. Typical material Two pilot scale
balance Zircaloy
afterbalance
casting
and it of cladding
U-10Zr-3RE electrorefiners
pins. were designed. One is
voltammetry for Table
cobalt was
1. Typical conducted,
material was
after castingfuel
revealed ofthat
U-10Zr-1RE fuel pins.
an electrorefiner
oxidation and reduction reactions of cobalt are much simpler than including auxiliary electrode, and another is a
zirconium. Cobalt is also rotating
Melting/casting
more reductive drum cell
part electrorefiner.
Weight (g)
than zirconium. Characteristics
In addition,Fraction (%) of each electrorefiner
were simulated via
lab-scale electrorefining of Zircaloy-4 was performed and results area three-dimensional multi-species electrodeposition
Before casting Crucible
model. It was was predicted 2,647
that toa very 100.0 zirconium can be
high purity
summarized in Table 2. Anode potential controlled prevent
dissolution of all elements deposited
except on the Composition
zirconium. main cathode, and most of the other elements can
Crucible assembly 317 of cathode 12.0
After casting be dissolved from
deposits was evaluated by ICP-MS analysis. Zirconium of 99.7 wt% the anode and deposited
was on an auxiliary cathode.
recovered on the cathode with Fe and Cr inmpurities. Since Fe and Cr metal
Furthermore,
Mold assembly it is expected that
2,228 zirconium 84.2rather than ZrCl can
came from Fuel
theloss be obtained on the
initial molten salt, it is speculated that102 cathode, since its
pre-purification potential 3.8can be controlled to
be more negative than
of the molten salt could lead to achieving almost 100% Zr purity on the -1.5V (vs. Ag/AgCl). For the rotating drum cell
cathode. electrorefiner, uniform contacting of cladding hulls with the molten salt
Table 2. Typical material balance after casting of U-10Zr-3RE fuel pins.
Table 2. Composition of Zircaloy-4 Melting/casting
specimen and cathode
anode. part deposits. Weight (g) Fraction (%)
Before casting
Zircaloy-4 specimen Crucible Deposits with LiCl-KCl2,490 100.0 LiCl-KCl
Deposits except
Zr
After casting 98.6 Crucible assembly
Zr 79.1 78 Zr 3.1 99.7
A process has also been designed with the objective of selectively recovering zirconium from
Sn 1.104 Mold assembly Sn 0 2,380 Sn 95.6 0
the Mark-IV
Fe ER. It involves
0.1595electrorefining Fe excess U metal 0.1 followed by Feoxidizing residual0.2 U metal to
Fuel loss 32 1.3 Figure 1. Schematic diagrams of de
UCl3. ThenCr further oxidation
0.0830 would occur Cr to convert 0.1a fraction of the Cr Zr metal to0.1 ZrCl4. Then it is
hypothetically
Co possible to electrorefine
0.0016 Co purified Zr from 0 the cadmium Co pool to the 0cathode. Two
modelsLiwere run Table 3. Typical
to assess
N/D the material Li balance
viability after
of this process. 1.2casting of U-10Zr-10RE
As noted in LiTable 3,fuel pins.
both predicted
- that
A process has also been de
high purityK Zr cathode N/D
deposits could Kbe achieved
Melting/casting part 19.4
even with
Weight (g) K
relatively high UCl3
Fraction (%) -
concentrations recovering zirconium from th
inTwo
thepilot
salt,scale
provided
Zircaloythat no U metal
cladding is in contact
electrorefiners werewith the salt.
designed. One is excess U metal followed by
Before casting Crucible 2,325 100.0 further oxidation would occur
an electrorefiner including auxiliary electrode, and another is a
rotating drum cell electrorefiner. Characteristics ZrCl 4. Then it is hypothetically
Planned Activities Crucible assembly of each electrorefiner
35 1.5
After
were simulated casting
via a three-dimensional multi-species electrodeposition the cadmium pool to the cath
model.The It was predicted Mold assembly
thatcompleted. 2,285
a very high purity zirconium can be 98.3 viability of this process. They b
None. project has been
Fuel on
deposited lossthe main cathode, and most of the other elements 6 can 0.2 deposits could be achiev
be dissolved from the anode and deposited on an auxiliary cathode. concentrations in the salt, pro
Furthermore, it is expected that zirconium the salt.
A considerable amount of drossmetal
and rather than ZrCl
melt residue can
remained in the crucible after!
be obtained
meltingon and
the cathode, since its potential
casting; however, most chargecan be controlled
materials were torecovered after casting of!
be morethe negative than
fuel pins. The-1.5V (vs. Ag/AgCl).
amount of dross and For the
meltrotating
residuedrumin thecellcrucible after fabrication of Planned Activities
electrorefiner, uniform
U-10Zr-1RE fuelcontacting
pins was muchof cladding
higher hulls
thanwith
thattheof molten
U-10Zr-3REsalt or U-10-10RE fuel pins. The
None. The project has been c
can be achieved,
large fuel and chlorine
loss in gas can be
the U-10Zr-1RE fuelreadily
pins collected from the
is likely caused by the melting and casting!
anode. temperature of U-10Zr-1RE fuel being higher than that of U-10Zr-3RE or U-10Zr10RE. The!
!
higher melt temperature led to a greater amount of dross and residue in the crucible.
It was originally expected that there would be lower fuel losses for the lower (1-3%) RE
containing fuel alloys as compared to the 10%RE alloy. Generally, RE elements are
chemically active with the crucible so a higher fuel loss was expected, but it is thought
that the lower losses in case of the U-10Zr-3,10RE fuel pins is related to crucible coating.
The melting took place in a graphite crucible coated with a dense plasma-sprayed
high-temperature ceramic material. These results show that gravity casting can be a
feasible fabrication technology for producing a significant number of the fuel pins,
which meet the goal of 0.1% fuel losses during fabrication.
Further experiments were carried out using manganese as a surrogate americium as

the vapor pressure at the temperatures of interest are similar. These casting tests were
done using the counter-gravity injection casting process as was used for the EBR-II fuel
fabrication, however, the application of the vacuum was applied at different stages.
! PAGE 2
PAGE 46
Science-Based Approach Project Number: 2010-002-K
to Ni-Alloys Aging and

Its Effect on Cracking in
PI (U.S.): Chi Bum Bahn and Ken
Natesan, Argonne National Laboratory
PWRs PI (ROK): Ji Hyun Kim, Ulsan National

Institute of Science and Technology
Research Objectives Collaborators: Korea Atomic Energy

Research Institute, Seoul National
One of main objectives of this project was to investigate the
University
effects of aging on the microstructure and SCC behavior of a
dissimilar metal weld. Advanced instrumental analysis techniques Program Area: Reactor Concepts
were successfully applied, including in-situ Raman spectroscopy. RD&D
The other objective was to fundamentally study the effect of Pb
on Alloy 600 SG tube corrosion/cracking. In-situ oxide film study
was also successfully conducted. Planed deliverables were Project End Date: September 2013
completed as shown in a table below.
During the final year, microstructural analysis was conducted

for the weld interface specimens aged at 400°C, which showed
microstructures similar to those of specimens aged at 450°C.
SCC testing was completed for the heat affected zone and
weld interface specimens. In-situ Synchrotron X-ray analysis was
conducted to observe the solid/liquid interface. X-ray reflectivity
data was obtained at the Ni(NiO)/water interface. In-situ
impedance spectroscopy showed the oxide evolution in the Pb-
containing solution.
Korean participants from UNIST are still continuing the

microstructural analysis work initiated under the I-NERI, focusing
on Alloy 690 heat affected zone. ANL continues aging of the
weld specimens at the lower temperature of 370°C.
The results obtained under this I-NERI program can be used to

understand the long-term aging effect of structural materials
in LWRs. In-situ synchrotron X-ray analysis and impedance
spectroscopy can enhance the understanding of the basic
corrosion phenomenon occurring at the interface between
metal (metal oxide) and water.
PAGE 47
Low-Loss Advanced Project Number: 2010-003-K
Metallic Fuel Casting

Evaluation
PI (U.S.): Randall Fielding, Idaho
National Laboratory
PI (ROK): Dr. Ki-Hwan Kim, Korea Atomic

Research Objectives Energy Research Institute
The objective of this project is to develop methods of minimizing
fuel losses and reducing waste streams during fabrication of Collaborators: None
metallic fuel pins for sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs). This Program Area: Fuel Cycle R&D
work will enhance the technical readiness level of the metallic
fuel fabrication process. This process has three phases: (1) fuel Project Start Date: December 2010
pin casting, (2) loading and fabrication of the fuel rods, and
(3) fabrication of the final fuel assemblies. Most fuel losses and Project End Date: December 2013
waste/recycle streams occur during fuel pin casting. Recycle
streams include fuel pin rework, returned scraps, and fuel casting
heels, which are of special concern in the counter-gravity
injection casting process because of the large masses involved.
Large recycle and waste streams lower the productivity and
economic efficiency of the fabrication process.
The project team will evaluate fuel losses that occur during
casting of U-Zr/U-TRU-Zr (uranium–transuranic–zirconium) fuel pins
for an SFR. This will be accomplished by casting a considerable
amount of fuel alloy in a furnace, and then quantitatively
evaluating losses in the melting chamber, crucible, and mold.
After identifying and quantifying materials at key process stages,
the team will develop means of reducing losses, including
permanent crucible coatings, permanent reusable molds, and
advanced techniques such as continuous casting. The goal is to
develop a coating technology for reusable crucibles with good
thermal cycling characteristics and excellent compatibility
between fuel melt and coating layer. The scope of work consists
of three major tasks:
••Casting development and mold loss comparison

••Coating development and characterization
••Continuous casting technology
Research Progress
Casting Development and Mold Loss Comparison
The research team at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
(KAERI) cast batches of U-10Zr-1,3,10RE (weight basis), where
the RE alloy is made up of 53% Nd, 25%Ce, 16% Pr, 6% La, on
approximately a 2.5 kilogram scale.
PAGE 48
International
Fiscal !Year NuclearReport
2013 Annual Energy Researcha Initiative
!
!
Chemical composition
Chemical and and
composition massmass
balance of of
balance both
bothbatches
batcheswere
were measured
measured and andused
used to
determine
to determine fuel loss levels. All batches cast well. M a s s b a l a n c e s f o r e a c shown
fuel loss levels. All batches cast well. Mass balances for each composition are h
in the following
c o m p o stables:
ition are shown in the following tables:

Melting/casting part Weight (g) Fraction (%)
Before casting Crucible 2,647 100.0
Crucible assembly 317 12.0

After casting
Mold assembly 2,228 84.2
Fuel loss 102 3.8


After casting
Fuel loss 32 1.3


After casting
Fuel loss 6 0.2
A considerable amount of dross and melt residue remained in the crucible after
A considerable
melting and amount of dross
casting; andmost
however, meltcharge
residuematerials
remained werein the crucible
recovered after
after melting
casting of and
casting;thehowever,
fuel pins.most charge of
The amount materials
dross andwere
meltrecovered
residue in theafter casting
crucible of fabrication
after the fuel pins.
of The
amountU-10Zr-1RE
of dross and meltwas
fuel pins residue
muchinhigher
the crucible
than that after fabrication
of U-10Zr-3RE of U-10Zr-1RE
or U-10-10RE fuel pins
fuel pins. The was
large fuel
much higher thanloss in of
that theU-10Zr-3RE
U-10Zr-1REorfuel pins is likely
U-10-10RE caused
fuel pins. Theby the fuel
large melting
loss and casting
in the U-10Zr-1RE
fuel pinstemperature of U-10Zr-1RE
is likely caused fuel being
by the melting and higher
castingthan that of U-10Zr-3RE
temperature or U-10Zr10RE.
of U-10Zr-1RE fuel beingThehigher
higher melt temperature led to a greater amount of dross and residue in
than that of U-10Zr-3RE or U-10Zr10RE. The higher melt temperature led to a greater amount of the crucible.
It was originally expected that there would be lower fuel losses for the lower (1-3%) RE
dross and residue in the crucible.
containing fuel alloys as compared to the 10%RE alloy. Generally, RE elements are
chemically
It was originally active with
expected thatthe crucible
there wouldsobe a lower
higherfuel
fuellosses
loss was
for expected, but it isRE
the lower (1-3%) thought
containing
that the lower losses in case of the U-10Zr-3,10RE fuel pins is related to crucible
fuel alloys as compared to the 10%RE alloy. Generally, RE elements are chemically active with coating.
The melting took place in a graphite crucible coated with a dense plasma-sprayed
the crucible so a higher fuel loss was expected, but it is thought that the lower losses in case of
high-temperature ceramic material. These results show that gravity casting can be a
the U-10Zr-3,10RE fuel pins is related to crucible coating. The melting took place in a graphite
feasible fabrication technology for producing a significant number of the fuel pins,
cruciblewhich
coated with
meet a goal
the denseof plasma-sprayed high-temperature
0.1% fuel losses during fabrication. ceramic material. These results
show that gravity casting can be a feasible fabrication technology for producing a significant
numberFurther
of the experiments
fuel pins, which
were meet the out
carried goalusing
of 0.1% fuel lossesasduring
manganese fabrication.
a surrogate americium as
the vapor pressure at the temperatures of interest are similar. These casting tests were
Further experiments were carried out using manganese as a surrogate americium as the vapor
done using the counter-gravity injection casting process as was used for the EBR-II fuel
pressurefabrication,
at the temperatures ofapplication
however, the interest areofsimilar. These was
the vacuum casting testsatwere
applied done
different using the
stages.
! PAGE 2
PAGE 49
! International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative

counter-gravity injection casting process as was used for the EBR-II fuel fabrication, however, the
application of the vacuum was applied at different stages.
Figure 1 shows a typical batch of U-10Zr-1RE cast pins. As can be seen in the figure
although
Figure some
1 shows surface defects
a typical areofpresent
batch in general
U-10Zr-1RE cast pins.theAs
pins
can are
besounds
seen in and
theoffigure
full although
length. The material balance for the crucible and mold assembly after injection
some surface defects are present in general the pins are sounds and of full length. The material
casting the S13-03
balance for the batch
crucible ofand
U-10Zr
moldfuelassembly
pins is shown in Table casting
after injection 4. Low fuel losses were
the S13-03 batch of U-10Zr
expected because the injection casting process is simpler than that
fuel pins is shown in Table 4. Low fuel losses were expected because the injection of the gravity
casting process
casting method.
is simpler As shown
than that of the in the table,
gravity casting fuel losses after
method. casting,
As shown in therelative to the
table, fuel initial
losses after casting,
charge of U-10Zr
relative werecharge
to the initial very low, approximately
of U-10Zr were very0.1%.
low, These results show
approximately that
0.1%. injection
These results show that
casting can casting
injection be a feasible
can befabrication
a feasible technology for producing
fabrication technology for a significantanumber
producing significantof number of
thethe
fuelfuel
pins, while
pins, meeting
while meeting thethe
goal of 0.1%
goal fuelfuel
of 0.1% losses during
losses fabrication.
during fabrication.
The material balance for the crucible and mold assembly after injection casting U-10Zr-
5Mn Thefuel pins, casting
material balancebatch
for theS13-04, is shown
crucible and mold in Table 5. During
assembly casting,casting
after injection a reduced
U-10Zr-5Mn fuel
pressure was applied
pins, casting batch for only isashown
S13-04, short time before
in Table inserting
5. During the molds
casting, a reducedinto the melt so
pressure was applied
littleforevaporation
only a short was
timeexpected. As shown
before inserting in the into
the molds table
thean increase
melt so littleofevaporation
fuel loss due to expected.
was
evaporation
As shown in ofthe
thetable
Mn ofanonly aboutof0.2%
increase fuelisloss
observed compared to
due to evaporation ofthat of the
the Mn U-10Zr
of only about 0.2% is
fuelobserved
casting (S13-03).
compared to that of the U-10Zr fuel casting (S13-03).
The material balance for the crucible and mold assembly after fabrication of the S13-
05 casting batchbalance
The material of U-10Zr-5Mn
for thefuelcrucible
pins is shown in Table
and mold 6. During
assembly casting,
after a vacuum
fabrication of the S13-05
wascasting
applied throughout the entire casting process, so a large amount of evaporation
batch of U-10Zr-5Mn fuel pins is shown in Table 6. During casting, a vacuum was applied
wasthroughout
anticipated.
theAs shown
entire in theprocess,
casting table, an so approximate
a large amount 3.10% increase in fuel
of evaporation wasloss is
anticipated. As
observed compared to the U-10Zr fuel pins where the reduced pressure was applied
shown in the table, an approximate 3.10% increase in fuel loss is observed compared to the
for U-10Zr
a shortfuel
timepins
only.
where the reduced pressure was applied for a short time only.
The material balance for the crucible and mold assembly after casting the S13-06
batch
The of U-10Zr-5Mn
material balancefuel for
pinsthe
is shown in and
crucible Tablemold
7. During this casting
assembly run a the
after casting reduced
S13-06 batch of
pressure was not
U-10Zr-5Mn fuel applied duringin the
pins is shown Tablecasting process
7. During so only
this casting runa asmall amount
reduced of was not
pressure
evaporation was anticipated.
applied during As shown
the casting process so in table,
only about
a small a 0.2%
amount of increase of fuel
evaporation wasloss is
anticipated. As
observed
shown compared to the
in table, about U-10Zr
a 0.2% fuel pins.
increase of fuel loss is observed compared to the U-10Zr fuel pins.
Figure 1. U-10Zr-1RE fuel pins.
PAGE 50
Table 4. Material balance after casting for the S13-03 batch of U-10Zr fuel pins.
Before casting Crucible 584.90 100.0
Crucible assembly 498.40 85.21

After casting
Mold assembly 85.80 14.67
Fuel loss 0.70 0.12
Table 5. Material balance after casting for the S13-04 batch of U-10Zr-5Mn fuel pins.

After casting
Fuel loss 1.90 0.29

After casting
Fuel loss 18.80 3.10

After casting
Fuel loss 1.30 0.21
Figure 1. U-10Zr-RE fuel pins.

Casting activities at the INL included installation and testing of the GACS furnace in a
transuranic capable glove box, and initiation of transuranic bearing fuel casting
Casting development.
activities at theFurnace
INL included installation
design and mock-upand testing
testingofoccured
the GACS in furnace
previousin a transuranic
years. Mock-
capableup glove box and initiation of transuranic bearing fuel casting development.
testing was partricularly advantageous because many aspects of the design were Furnace
design and mock-up testing occured in previous years. Mock-up testing was partricularly
modifed or changed in order to provide an easier and more predicable operation. The
advantageous because many aspects of the design were modifed or changed in order to
GACS furnace is a bench scale casting system that can be used for either gravity or
provide an easier and more predicable operation. The GACS furnace is a bench scale casting
counter
system that can gravity
be used injection
for eithercasting.
gravityFigure 2 shows
or counter a schematic
gravity injectionofcasting.
the furnace
Figureand the a
2 shows
furnace
schematic of theinstalled
furnacein thethe
and glovebox.
furnaceThe furnace
installed hasglovebox.
in the a capacity Theoffurnace
up to approximately
has a capacity
! PAGE 4
PAGE 51
500 grams, but will usually be charged with approximately 200-300 grams. The current
mold Energy Research
is configured toInitiative
cast three pins at approximately 4.2 mm diameter and 250 mm
Fiscal Year 2013 Annual
long. Report mold and crucible are independently induction heated.
The graphite
A small, 100 g, casting batch was used for the initial transuranic bearing casting. Table
8 shows the
of up to approximately 500initial
grams, charge.
but willItusually
is noted bethat the zirconium
charged feed was split
with approximately between
200-300 grams.
The current mold is configured
elemental zirconiumto cast
and three pins at approximately
a Pu-Am-Zr 4.2 mm composition
alloy. The final charge diameter and 250nominally
was mm
long. The graphite mold and crucible are independently induction
U-7.4Pu-1.7Am-10Zr. This composition was chosen based on available transuranic heated.
feedtsock
A small, 100 g, casting batch and facility
was usedlimits.
forAll of initial
the the feedstocks
transuranic were loaded
bearing in theTable
casting. crucible and
8 shows
heated
the initial charge. to thethat
It is noted casting temperature.
the zirconium feedThe wasmold also was heated
split between elemental to approximately
zirconium and a500°C
during the crucible heat up time but climbed to approximately
Pu-Am-Zr alloy. The final charge composition was nominally U-7.4Pu-1.7Am-10Zr. This composition 600°C from crucible
was chosen basedheating onduring
availablethe crucible
transuranic hold. After the and
feedtsock material reached
facility approximately
limits. All 1450°C it
of the feedstocks
were loaded inwas theheld for 10and
crucible minutes,
heated after which
to the the stopper
casting rod wasThe
temperature. pulled
moldand alsomaterial flowed
was heated
to approximatelydown 500°C
into during
the molds. the Pressure
crucible was heatmaintained
up time but climbed
under to approximately
a dynamic vaccum for600°C
the first
from crucible heating
five minutesduring of the
thecrucible
run to allowhold.forAfter
lowthe material reached
tempertare, approximately
<350°C, degassing. After1450°C
this time
it was held for 10
theminutes,
pressureafterwas which
increasedthe stopper rod was pulled
to approximately 600-700 and Torrmaterial
(80.0-93.3 flowed
kPa)down
and into
the molds. Pressure was maintained under a dynamic vaccum for
maintained in that range for the duration of the casting process. The crucible the first five minutes ofwas
the slurry
run to allow forcoated
low-temperature,
with yttria and <350°C,
the molddegassing.
cavitiesAfter
werethis time
slurry the pressure
coated was increased
with zirconia.
to approximately 600-700 Torr (80.0-93.3 kPa) and maintained in that range for the duration of
the casting process.
The castingThe crucible was in
run resulted slurry
three coated withbeing
short pins yttria cast.
and theTablemold cavities
9 shows thewere slurry
resulting mass
coated with zirconia.
balance. The original charge was purposely made small, so the short length was
The casting runexpected.
resulted inTwo three of short
the pins
pinswere
beingapproximately
cast. Table 9100 shows mmthein length
resultingwhile
mass the third was
balance.
approximately 75 mm in length with a large thinned section
The original charge was purposely made small, so the short length was expected. Two of the approximately 50 pins
mm from
the bottom.
were approximately 100 mm Figure 3 shows
in length thethe
while three
thirdpins
wasalong with two “drips,”
approximately 75 mm orinmaterial that a
length with
solidified
large thinned section on the wall of50
approximately themm pinfrom
mold before
the it could
bottom. Figuretravel down
3 shows theandthreecoalesce with the
pins along
with two “drips,” or material that solidified on the wall of the pin mold before
pin. Other than the previously mentioned thin section, the pins appeared to be sound it could travel down
and coalesce andwith free
the pin.
fromOther than the
substantial previously
surface flaws.mentioned thin section,
A slight mismatch on the the
pinpins appeared
bottom results
to be sound and free from substantial surface flaws. A slight mismatch on
from the shape of the mold and shows the molten material did flow to the bottom of the pin bottom results
from the shape theofmold
the mold
and,and shows
in fact, the molten
started to fill thematerial
0.6 mm did flowleading
groove to the bottom
to the 1.1of mm
the mold
vent hole
and, in fact, started to fill the 0.6 mm groove leading to the 1.1 mm vent
at the bottom of each pin cavity. A heel was retained in the crucible, resulting hole at the bottomfrom
of each pin cavity. A heel was retained in the crucible, resulting from molten material not fully
molten material not fully draining into the mold. It is assumed that this material was
draining into the mold. It is assumed that this material was retained due to surface tension and not
retained due to surface tension and not inadequate temperature because 1450°C is
Figure 2. Schematic and

photo of GACS configured
for gravity casting. Note the
linear actuator has been
removed for the photo.
Figure 2. Schematic and photo of the GACS configured for gravity

! casting. Note the linear actuator has been removed PAGE
for the5 photo.
PAGE 52
lk of material
ing orifice! International
at Nuclear Energy Researcha Initiative
ws a high
crucible. Asubstantially
inadequate
Fiscal Yeartemperature
above
2012 thebecause
Annual 1450°C
melt point
Report of theisalloy.
substantially
Also, of above the melt
note, after pointofofmaterial
the bulk the alloy. Also,
der adhering to
of note,
drained, a small amount of liquid flowed over the 9.5 mm diameter casting orificethe
after the bulk of material drained, a small amount of liquid flowed over at 9.5 mm
diameter casting
substantially
the bottom of orifice
above
the theatmelt
theclosing
crucible, bottom of
point ofoff
the the
the crucible,
alloy.
hole. Also,
This ofclosing off
note, after
behavior the
again hole.
the bulkThis
shows of behavior again
material
a high
ms. The shows
current a high
drained, a surface
small tension
amount of
of the
liquidmelt
flowedleading
over to a
the substantial
9.5 mm heel
diameter
surface tension of the melt leading to a substantial heel being left in the crucible.being left
casting in the A
orifice crucible.
at A
substantial
er and 250 mm
the amount
bottom amount
substantial of dross
of the crucible, was also
of drossclosing present
was alsooffpresent in the
the hole. form of
This form
in the a
behaviorloose powder
againpowder
of a loose adhering
shows aadhering
high to the
to heel
ated. and monolithic
surface slag/dross
tension of the thatleading
melt adhered to to
a the stopperheel
substantial
the heel and monolithic slag/dross that adhered to the stopper rod.
rod.being left in the crucible. A
substantial amount of dross was also present in the form of a loose powder adhering to
g casting. TableTable 8. Casting charge slag/dross
for the initial U-TRU-Zr casting.
the heel and monolithic that adhered to the stopper rod. !I
etween F
on was nominally Table 8. Casting charge for the initial U-TRU-Zr casting.
Mass
The currentCharge Material
ransuranic (g) Wt%
and 250and
ucible mm Uranium 80.66 a Mass 80.96%
d.
roximately 500°C
Charge Material (g) Wt%
Zirconium 3.77 + Prealloy Zr 10.06%b (8.86% c)
from crucible Uranium 80.66a 80.96%
asting. Pre-Alloy TRU-Zr
Table 15.22 —
ately 1450°C it
Zirconium 3.77 b+ Prealloy Zr 10.06%bb (8.86%cc) ! Inte
gaterial
weenof uranium. Plutonium 7.45 (6.03 ) c 7.49% (6.05% )
flowed
Pre-Alloy TRU-Zr 15.22b — c Fisc
oyednominally
was button. Americium 1.49 (1.21 c) 1.5% b (1.21% )
um for the first
to 100%.
nsuranic Plutonium 7.45 b (6.03c) 7.49% b (6.05% c)
After this time Zirconium 6.25b (5.05 c) — Fig
ble and Americium 1.49b(1.21 c) 1.5%b (1.21% c) alt
a) and a. Chemical analysis of pre-alloyed TRU resulted in approximately .02g of uranium.
mately 500°C a. Chemical
Zirconium
b. slurryCalculated analysis
6.25
based ofon
bpre-alloyed
(5.05 c)
normalized TRU resultedanalysis
chemical in— approximately .02g of uranium.
data of prealloyed button. len
rucible was
m crucible ca
ia. a.
c. Chemical
Calculated analysis
based of
on pre-alloyed
the chemical TRU resulted
analysis in approximately
results not .02g
normalized
b. Calculated based on normalized chemical analysis data of prealloyed button. of
to uranium.
100%.
exp
ely 1450°C b. it Calculated based on normalized chemical analysis data of prealloyed button.
c. Wt.
Calculated based on the chemical analysis ca
erial flowed
e resulting Table 9. Mass balance
c. mass Calculated basedof on cast
theproduct, analysis results
chemicalassuming not
not normalized
homogeneous
results normalized to
to 100%.
100%.
Ca Mg fraction ch
for the
ength wasfirstChemical composition of all products. ca
28 0.042Table 9.100%Mass balance of cast product, assuming homogeneous
ter
thethis time
third was the
06 0.010Chemical 22.7%
composition of all products. Wt.
and 50 mm from
ately
06 was
cible
aterial 0.009
that slurry 21.3% Net U Pu Am Zr Ca Mg fraction The
04
oalesce Initial
0.006
with theCharge
14.2% 99.633 81.898 7.448 1.225 8.917 0.028 0.042 Wt.
100% 5M
Net U Pu Am Zr Ca Mg fraction pre
02
ed to be Pin
0.003 1
sound 7.6% 22.665 18.631 1.694 0.279 2.029 0.006 0.010 22.7%
esulting Initial Charge
mass 99.633 81.898 7.448 1.225 8.917 0.028 0.042 100% littl
ottom
02 results
Pin 2 5.6%
0.002 21.221 17.446 1.586 0.261 1.90 0.006 0.009 21.3% eva
gth was
the bottom Pin 1 22.665 18.631 1.694 0.279 2.029 0.006 0.010 22.7%
01 Pinof3 2.2%
0.001 14.166 11.644 1.059 0.174 1.268 0.004 0.006 14.2% fue
e.1third was Pinhole
2 21.221 17.446 1.586 0.261 1.90 0.006 0.009 21.3%
05 mm vent Drip 1 17.1%
0.007 7.600 6.247 0.568 0.093 0.680 0.002 0.003 7.6%
ly 50 mm from
resulting from
Pin 3 14.166 11.644 1.059 0.174 1.268 0.004 0.006 14.2% The
02 Drip 2 9.1%
ial that0.004 5.560 4.570 0.416 0.068 0.498 0.002 0.002 5.6%
material was
Drip 1 7.600 6.247 0.568 0.093 0.680 0.002 0.003 7.6% 05
00
lesce Dross
0.000
with the 0.05% 2.231 1.834 0.167 0.027 0.200 0.001 0.001 2.2% wa
ause 1450°CDripis2 5.560 4.570 0.416 0.068 0.498 0.002 0.002 5.6%
to be sound Heel 17.069 14.031 1.276 0.210 1.528 0.005 0.007 17.1% wa
Dross
om results Stopper material 2.231 1.834 0.167 0.027 0.200 0.001 0.001 2.2% ob
9.071 7.456 0.678 0.112 0.812 0.002 0.004 9.1%
Heel 17.069 14.031 1.276 0.210 1.528 0.005 0.007 17.1% for
e bottom of Process Loss 0.047 0.039 0.004 0.001 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.05%
mm vent hole Stopper material 9.071 7.456 0.678 0.112 0.812 0.002 0.004 9.1%
The
ulting fromProcess Loss 0.047 0.039 0.004 0.001 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.05% ba
terial was pre
se 1450°C is eva
ob
PAGE 53
! PAGE 6 Fi
he crucible. A
owder adhering to

ms. The current

er and 250 mm
ated.
g casting. Table
!I
.02g of uranium.
between F
alloyed
on button.
was nominally
ed to 100%.
ransuranic
ucible and
roximately 500°C
from crucible
ately 1450°C it
Wt.
aterial flowed
Ca Mg fraction
um for the first
0.028 0.042 3. Resulting
100% pins and drips from the U-TRU-Zr casting experiment (claipers are set at 25.4 mm).
After thisFigure
time
Figure 3. Resuting pins and drips from the U-TRU-Zr casting experiment (claipers are set
0.006 0.010
at 25.4mm 22.7%
a) and After unloading of the furnace, each of the 4” pins were sampled from the top and
0.006
rucible was 0.009
slurry area 21.3%
After bottom
unloading of of the
the pin. These each
furnace, samples were4”chemically
of the pins were analyzed
sampled using inductively-
from the top and bottom
0.004
ia. 0.006
coupled 14.2% mass spectroscopy and optical emission spectroscopy. The resulting
plasma
area of the pin. These samples were chemically analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma
0.002 mass chemical7.6%
0.003 analysis is shown in Table 10.
spectroscopy and optical emission spectroscopy. The resulting chemical analysis is shown
e resulting mass
0.002 in 0.002Table
Table10. 5.6%
10 showed that the cast product was axially chemically homogeneous to within
ength was
0.001 the
0.001 reported
2.2% analysis error. This shows that the inductive forces during the melting are
the thirdTable
was 10 showed
adequate to mixthat
the the
melt cast product was This
homogeneously. axially
is anchemically
important result homogeneous
considering tothewithin the
0.005 reported0.007 analysis 17.1%error. This shows that the inductive forces during the melting are adequate to
ately 50 mmshort frommelting times and the disparity in component densities. In addition to this, when
0.002
aterial that 0.004
mixthe theinput 9.1%
melt material
homogeneously.
composition This is
is considered
an important resultbe
it can considering the short melting
seen that americium was times and
0.000 the disparity
0.000
retained
oalesce with the in
0.05% component
throughout the densities.
melting In
process. addition
As to
discussedthis, when
above, the input
because material
the TRU composition
is
ed to be soundconsidered
material was it can
added be seen
as a that
TRU-Zr americium
pre-alloyed was retained
feedstock, throughout
the initial input the melting
composition process.
is As
discussed
calculated above, basedbecause
on an the TRU material
assumed feedstock wascomposition
added as abased TRU Zr on preprevious
alloyedmaterial
feedstock, the
ottom results
initial input composition
accountability records. is calculated
Normalized based chemical on analysis
an assumed feedstockTRU-Zr
of pre-alloyed composition
shows itbased
to on
the bottom of
be 48.96Pu-9.81Am-41.05Zr,
previous material accountability which agrees
records. well with material
Normalized chemical accountability
analysis of pre records.
alloyed TRU Zr
.1 mm vent
shows hole
However,
it to beduring
48.96Pu dissolution
9.81Am of the feedstock
41.05Zr, which agrees button, a black
well undissolved
with material solution wasrecords.
accountability
resultingHowever,
fromfirst seen; this solid
during was treated
dissolution of the with aqua regia.
feedstock button, The black undissolved
a black precipitate did beginwas
solution to first seen;
material this
was dissolve, but a yellow precipitate then formed that could
solid was treated with aqua regia. The black precipitate did begin to dissolve, but not be further dissolved. Thea yellow
cause 1450°C yellow
is precipitate was filtered out and the final solution analyzed.
precipitate then formed that could not be further dissolved. The yellow precipitate was filtered The results only
outshowed
and the a final
masssolution
balanceanalyzed.
of 80.88. IfTheit is results
assumed only that the precipitate
showed was another
a mass balance of 80.88. If it is
element not analyzed for or a transuranic compound that was not dissolved i.e. a
assumed that the precipitate was another element not analyzed or a transuranic compound that
ceramic or intermetallic the pre-alloyed button composition changes to
was not dissolved, i.e. a ceramic or intermetallic, the pre-alloyed button composition changes
39.6Pu-7.93Am-33.2Zr-19.12X, where X is another element or compound. If the
to 39.6Pu 7.93Am 33.2Zr 19.12X, where X is another element or compound. If the undissolved
undissolved solids were a TRU-bearing intermetallic or ceramic that could not be
solids were ait TRU-bearing
dissolved is likely it would intermetallic
combine with or ceramic
the drossthat layercould
in the not be dissolved,
casting operation. it isWhen
likely that
it would combine with the dross layer in the casting
Table 10 is compared to the calculated charges, the Pu and Am numbers fall in operation. When Table 10 is compared
to thebetween calculated
the two charges,
nominalthe Pu and
charge Am numbers
calculations. fall in between
Therefore, it may bethe two nominal
possible that the charge
calculations.
undissolved Therefore,
solids were it may be possible
a Pu-Am components that thethat undissolved
also maysolids havewere come a Pu
outAmas incomponents
the
that also may have come out as in the dross phase. These
dross phase. This results indicates that the americium was retained during the casting results indicates that the americium
wasprocess
retained during the casting process due
due to the fast heating cycle and inert overpressure.to the fast heating cycle and inert overpressure.
PAGE 54
rod.
! International
International Nuclear Nuclear Energy Researcha
Energy Research Initiative Initiative
Fiscal
Fiscal Year Year
2013 2012 Annual
Annual Report Report
Table 10. Chemcial analysis results of the cast pins. Reported error at 2-! is 5%
0 grams. The current
ameter and 250 mm Uranium Plutonium Americium Zirconium Calcium Magnesium
n heated. Pin #1 Btm 82.0% 7.38% 1.25% 8.96% .04% 0.08%
Pin #1 Top 84.2% 7.63% 1.24% 9.02% 0.00% 0.02%
earing casting. Table
Pin #2 Btm 81.7% 7.44% 1.24% 8.97% 0.01% 0.03%
ately .02g of uranium.
split between
of prealloyed
position Pin #2 Top
button.
was nominally 80.9% 7.45% 1.19% 8.85% 0.04% 0.04%
malized
able to 100%.
transuranic Average 82.2% 7.48% 1.23% 8.95% 0.02% 0.04%
he crucible and
approximately
As part 500°C As
of part of the casting
the casting development development effort, effort the resulting
the resulting cast castproductproduct
fromfromthe the initialinitial U-
U-TRU-Zr
00°C from crucible
casting TRU-Zr casting was
was re-melted an re-melted
additionalan two additional
times and two times,
cast intoand an cast
ingotinto an ingot as
as opposed to pins. A
roximately 1450°C
typical opposed
it
furnace to pins. A typical
temperature and furnace
pressuretemperature
profile is shown and in pressure
Figure profile is shown
4. A surface in Figure
oxide/dross
nd material flowed 4. A surfaceWt. oxide/dross was formed during the melting process and was present on
was formed
Ca during
Mginitial the melting process and was present on the initial rods used as feedstock;
fraction
ers are set
vaccum for at 25.4
the the
firstmm). rods used as feedstock; however, the ingot was fully melted and coalesced
0.028however, asthe
0.042 ingot
evidenced 100%was byfully
the melted
bottomand of the coalesced
ingot. Theassecond evidenced ingot by wasthemadebottom of the ingot.
by breaking the
ssing. After The this time ingot was made by breaking the first ingot into several pieces and re-melting. Many
second
top and
0.006 first
0.010 ingot into
22.7% several pieces and re-melting. Many of the pieces of the first ingot were
.3 kPa) and of the pieces of the
still visible in first
theingot
second were still visible
ingot, but there in the second
is also clear ingot,
evidencebut there is also clear
of melting. Bothevidence
ingots
uctively-
0.006 was 0.009 21.3%
The crucible
e resulting of melting. slurry
were analyzed
Both ingots were to determine
analyzedamericium to determine content; the resulting
americium content; chemical analysis
the resulting is
chemical
0.004
irconia. 0.006
shown in 14.2% 11, with the reported error at 2! being 5%. As seen in Tables 10-11,
Table
analysis is shown in Table 11, with the reported error at 2σ being 5%. As seen in Tables 10-11,
0.002americium americium
0.003 content content
7.6% appearsappears to be consistent
to be consistent between between
the two theingots
two ingots
and the andinitial
the initial
casting,
us to
ws thewithin
resulting mass
0.002 casting,
0.002 although
5.6% one of the two samples from each ingot has a lower americium
melting are although one of the two samples from each ingot has a lower americium content and there is
hort length was content and there is variability in the Zr content for the samples.
dering0.001thevariability 0.001 in the Zr2.2% content for the samples.
while the third was Table 10 shows the starting composition contained on average 1.23% americium. The
this, when
0.005 0.007 17.1%
moximately
was Table 50 mm
10two from
shows the starting
samples after composition
the first melt contained
showed americium on average 1.23%
levels wereamericium.
at 1.18% The andtwo samples
0.99%. The
orTRU
e 0.002
material after that
the0.004
disparity
first melt 9.1%
between
showedthese americiumtwo samples levels were is not at well1.18%
understood.
and 0.99%. The samples
The disparity werebetweentaken as
mposition 0.000
and coalesce is
these 0.000
with
two random
the pieces
samples 0.05%
is notfromwellthe broken ingot;
understood. The therefore,
samples were some segregation
taken as random maypieceshave from the
us material
peared broken
to be sound occurred during melting i.e. the oxide dross
ingot; therefore, some segregation may have occurred during melting i.e. the phase may have contained a higher
oxide dross
shows it to americium content which may nothave been captured in the sample. However, the
pin bottom phase may have contained a higher americium content which may nothave been captured
results
records. sample containing 1.18% americium is within the standard error of the starting material.
ow to the inbottom
the sample. of However, the sample containing 1.18% americium is within the standard error of
olution was After breaking the first ingot, it was remelted and sampled in the same manner again.
the 1.1
begin tommthe starting
ventThis hole material.
led to reportedAfter breaking
americium the first of
levels ingot,
1.18% it and
was 1.02%.
remelted Again andthe sampled
disparityinofthe thesame
two
ible, manner
resulting
solved. The from again. This led to reported americium levels of 1.18%
samples is not well understood and cannot be addressed further, but the level of 1.18% and 1.02%. Again, the disparity of
this
ts the two
material
only was samples within
remains is not well
errorunderstood
of the originally and sampled
cannot be rodaddressed
feedstock. further, but the
Both melts were level of 1.18%
melted in
enother
because remains
1450°C an isopen
within errorcrucible
of the with a continuous
originally sampledargon purge of approximately
rod feedstock. Both melts were7 melted ft3/hr during in anthe open
d i.e. a cruciblemelting and soak cycle.
with a continuous argonThe purgeresulting ingot from the7 second
of approximately ft3/hr duringvolatility
therun did have
melting and asoak
more pronounced oxide skin that may have interfered with the pieces fully fusing
cycle. The resulting ingot from the second volatility run did have a more pronounced oxide skin
he together, although, when the bottom of the second ingot is examined , it does appear
that may have interfered with the pieces fully fusing together, although, when the bottom of the
ot be that the ingot was fully molten. Despite the differences in the americium content
ration. When second ingot between is examined, it does appear
the two samples of each that
ingot, thetheingot was fully molten.
americium levels fromDespite
ingotthe differences
to ingot
fall in in the americium stayed within content between
the same range the two samples
if reported errorof each into
is taken ingot, the americium
account. A logical levels from
le that the ingot to conclusion
ingot stayed from within
this isthethat same
somerange segregationif reported mayerrorhaveisoccurred
taken into account.
within the ingot A logical
that
ut as in the led to the difference in the samples, but the overall
conclusion from this is that some segregation may have occurred within the ingot that led to the americium level was maintained in
he casting the ingot, despite being melted three times,
difference in the samples, but the overall americium level was maintained in the ingot, despiteif the original casting melt is included.
being melted three times, if the original casting melt is included.
! PAGE 55PAGE 8
ifice at
igh
ble. A
dhering toInternational Nuclear Energy Research Initiative
heFiscal
current
Year 2012 Annual Report
d 250 mm
! In
ting. Table F
! Interna
current
of
enuranium. Fiscal
50
ed mm
button.
s nominally
!
!
100%.
ranic FigureC
e and altho t
g. Table lengtc
ately 500°C ! Internatio
ranium. castin
crucible Fiscal Ye
button.
ominally expe
1450°C it
0%.
nic Wt. castin
Figure 1
al flowed
nd 25.4 mm). Mg fraction charg
although
oratthe first Be
castin
ly 500°C0.042 100% length.
! International Nucl
this time the fu
cible0.010 Figure
22.7%Figure4. 4.
Typical
Typicalfurnace
furnace pressure
pressure and and temperature
temperature profile
profile forvolatility
for the the volatility experiments.
experiments. casting
Fiscal Year 2012
d expecte A
50°C
Figure it 4. Typical
0.009 furnace pressure and temperature profile for the volatility experiments.
21.3% The m
le was slurry Wt. casting
owed0.006 14.2% 5Mn
Mg Coating fraction
Development and Characterization charge
25.4
he firstmm). Uranium Plutonium Americium Zirconium press
0.042 0.003 100% 7.6% Sample ID casting
n
s timemass
ulting PercentZirconium
(%) thelittle
fuel e
0.010 0.002 22.7% 5.6% Uranium Plutonium Americium
Sample ID evap
was Run 1 Sample 1 81.9 Percent (%) 7.66 1.18 9.97
was
hird0.009 0.001 21.3%
slurry
was
2.2% Thefuel
matc
Run 1 Sample81.9 2 83.5 7.64 0.99 8.66
0.007 17.1% Run 1 Sample 1 7.66 1.18 9.97 5Mn fue Be
500.006
mm from14.2% Run 2 Sample The m
0.003 0.004 7.6% 9.1% Run 1 Sample 2 83.5 1 81.1
7.64 7.54
0.99 1.18
8.66 11.1 pressure
that
g mass Run 2 Sample81.1 2 83.5 7.48 1.02 10.2 little05eva
ca
Af
0.000 0.05% Run 2 Sample 1 7.54 1.18 11.1
sce with
0.002 the 5.6% Table 11. Chemical analysis of volatility runs. evaporaa
was
asl be Run 2 Sample 2 83.5 7.48 1.02 10.2
sound 2.2%
0.001 fuelwascast
o was Table 11. Chemical analysis of volatility runs. Fu
obse
m results
0.007 17.1% Coating Development and Characterization
mm from
bottom of Based on coating and U-Zr interaction results preformed during previous years, Y2O3, TiC, Thefor a
mat
at0.004 9.1%
Coating Development
andcoating
and Characterization
TaC coating materials were selected as promising coating materials for preventing 05 castin
m vent hole Based on
Based
0.000
with the on coating
0.05% and U-Zrand U-Zr
interaction interaction results performed
results preformed during previous during previous
years, Y2O3, years,
TiC, Y2O3, TiC,
wasThe
app m
ng from and TaC the interaction
coating between
materials were the coating
selected aslayer and the
promising U-Zr melt.
coating In order
materials for to overcomethe
preventing the
e and TaC coating materials were selected as promising coating materials for preventing batc
was ant
e sound interactionissue of
between thermal
the expansion
coating layer mismatch
and between coatings and crucibles, various
ialthe
wasinteraction between the coating layer and thetheU-ZrU-Zr
melt.melt. In order
In order to overcome
to overcome the the issue of Figure 4. observeBe
press
Typical
sults thermal combinations of coating conditions such ascrucibles,
coating thickness and multi-layer coating
1450°C
issue is of thermal expansion mismatch between coatings and crucibles, various of coating
expansion mismatch between coatings and various combinations evap
for a sho
om of conditions methodsaswere investigated to find the optimal coatings and application parameters
to findto
combinations of such coatingcoating conditions thickness
such as and multi-layer
coating coating
thickness and methods
multi-layerwerecoating
investigated obse
Af
ent holethe optimal withstand
coatings the andthermal stresses. parameters
application Based on the to result from the
withstand the interactions
thermal with U-10Zr
stresses. Based and
on
methods were investigated to find the optimal coatings and application parameters to The ma
the result U-10Zr-5RE
from the melt,
interactions single layer Y O (125), multi-layer TiC(100)-Y O (100) and TiC(100)-
from Basedwith on U-10Zr andfromU-10Zr-5RE melt, single layer Y2O3(125),
and multi- layer
2 3 2 3
withstand the thermal stresses. the result the interactions with U-10Zr batch Fu
o
was TiC(100)-Y Y 2OO 3(100)
(100) plasma-sprayed
and TiC(100)-Y O coating
(100) methods havecoating
plasma-sprayed been applied
methods tohavegraphite
beencrucibles.
applied
U-10Zr-5RE melt,2 single 3 layer Y2O3(125), 2 3 multi-layer TiC(100)-Y2O3(100) and TiC(100)- pressure
en to graphiteFollowing
crucibles. coating injection
Following casting
coating experiments
injection casting ofexperiments
U-10Zr and U-10Zr-5RE
of U-10Zr fuelU-10Zr-5RE
and slugs were evapora
50°CY2Ois3(100) plasma-sprayed coating methods have been applied to graphite crucibles.
performed
fuel coating
slugs were to investigate
performed the feasibility
to experiments
investigate the of re-useofofre-use
feasibility the plasma-spray coated coated
graphite
Following injection casting of U-10Zr and U-10Zr-5REoffuel theslugs
plasma-spray
were observe
graphite crucibles.
crucibles. The The graphite crucibles plasma-spray coated with a single-layered Y O3(125),
thegraphite crucibles plasma-spray coated with a single-layered
graphite Y2O3(125),
2
performed to investigate feasibility of re-use of the plasma-spray coated
double-layered
double-layered (100)-Y O (100) and TiC(100)-Y O (100) remained intact without an
The graphite(100)-Y O (100) and TiC(100)-Y2O3(100) remained intact Ywithout an interaction
2 3 2 3
crucibles. crucibles
2 3 plasma-spray coated with a single-layered 2O3(125),
layer with interaction
the melt afterlayerreusing
with the melt after
the crucible for reusing the crucible
up to 2 casting cycles.for up to 2
Coupons of casting cycles.
these coating
double-layered (100)-Y 2O3(100) and TiC(100)-Y2O3(100) remained intact without an
Coupons
compositions have ofbeen
these coatingtocompositions
provided INL researchers have
for been in
testing provided
U-TRU-Zr to
meltsINLatresearchers
a later date. for
interaction layer with the melt after reusing the crucible for up to 2 casting cycles.
testing in U-TRU-Zr melts at a later date.
Coupons Continuous
of these Castingcoating compositions have been provided to INL researchers for Coating Develo
testing in U-TRU-Zr melts at a later date. Based on coatin
Earlier work on continuous casting development at KAERI showed that continuous casting of
uraniumContinuous
is feasible and Casting
was carried out successfully. However, development with U-15Zr was not and TaC coatin
Earlier work on continuous casting development at KAERI showed that continuous the interaction b
Continuous Casting issue of therm
casting of uranium is feasible and was carried out successfully. However, development
Earlier work on continuous casting development at KAERI showed that continuous combinations o
with U-15Zr was not as successful. In order to perform preliminary evaluations of fuel Figure
casting of uranium is feasible and was carried out successfully. However, development methods were in
losses and feasibility of continuous castingPAGE of U-Zr
56
alloy the casting equipment was
with U-15Zr was not as successful. In order to perform preliminary evaluations of fuel withstand the th
modified to account for the higher casting temperature and the more chemically
losses and feasibility of continuous casting of U-Zr alloy the casting equipment was U-10Zr-5RE melt
as successful. In order to perform preliminary evaluations of fuel losses and feasibility of

continuous casting of U-Zr alloy, the casting equipment was modified to account for the
higher casting temperature and the more chemically aggressive nature of the U-15Zr
alloy. Modifications included changing the design of the crucible and mold, or die, to
allow a better flow of material during casting. In addition to these modifications, KAERI
also has modified the coil, cast rod cooling system, and casting starting mechanism,
including the starter-bar. The starting bar and mechanism was originally composed
of copper alloys, which is a common industrial standard, and was adequate for pure
uranium alloys. However, because of the aggressive nature of the U-Zr alloys, these
materials would start to dissolve upon contact with the molten U-Zr melt. To overcome
this issue the starting mechanism was re-designed using Type 304 stainless steel. Mo, Zr,
and Inconel were used as the starter bar materials because the starter bar is in direct
contact with the molten alloy and higher temperature materials were required. After the
modifications were made, previous experimental results and procedures were reviewed
and additional castings were attempted to produce U-15Zr pins.
Elemental zirconium and uranium were charged to the crucible and heated under
vacuum until the melting point of uranium was reached. At the time of uranium melting
the pressure was 7.4x10-3 Torr. Upon uranium melting argon was added to the chamber. A
8 mm starting rod was used to seal the melting chamber during heating and to withdraw
the cast rod. Upon melting of the entire charge the starting bar is slowly withdrawn,
allowing the molten alloy to contact the chilled walls of the die. The molten material
solidifies upon contact and shrinks back from the die wall significantly decreasing the fuel
rod diameter. During the withdrawal process a significantly higher withdrawal pressure
or tension was generated than originally expected on the starting bar at which time the
casting cycle was stopped to prevent product or equipment damage. After the casting
process was terminated the cast rod was cut resulting in a rod approximately 147 mm
in length. Based on these initial results fuel fabrication using continuous casting may be
feasible, but would require substantial development to become a practical fabrication
route. Also based on these results, because a vacuum pressure in not employed when
the material is molten, it is thought that this process would also be expected to retain
americium during the casting process.
Planned Activities
Because of the cost and time required to install the GACS into a highly contamined
TRU qualified glovebox much of the planned work could not be carried out. This work
will continue which includes U-TRU-Zr casting development which may also include
incorporation of rare eath elements. In addition to casting development KAERI
researchers have provided candidate mold/crucible coating materials for testing in TRU
bearing alloys. These samples will be exposed to the molten alloy and characterized to
determine optimized coating material.
PAGE 57
Development and Project Number: 2010-004-K
Characterization
of Nanoparticle-
PI (U.S.): Thak Sang Byun and David T.
Hoelzer, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Strengthened PI (ROK): Ji-Hyun Yoon, Korea Atomic

Energy Research Institute
Dual-Phase Alloys for High- Collaborators: None

Temperature Nuclear Project Start Date: December 2011
Reactor Applications Project End Date: November 2013
Research Objectives
The nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFAs) have been considered
as primary candidate materials for both future fission and
fusion reactors for their excellent creep strength and high
dose irradiation resistance. In the past, however, the pursues
of ultra-high strength NFAs commonly resulted in poor fracture
toughness and ductility at high temperatures. The main objective
of this research was to develop nanoparticle-strengthened
alloys with excellent fracture toughness for application to high
performance reactor core structures. This project also aims to
produce a material property database for optimized materials,
which includes tensile deformation data, fracture toughness
data, high temperature deformation (including creep) data,
and microstructural data for grain structure and distribution of
nanoparticles.
Research Progress
To achieve the primary goal, the researchers both at Oak
Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and at Korea Atomic Energy
Research Institute (KAERI) have combined the best processing
practices for mechanical alloying and well-designed post-
extrusion thermo-mechanical treatments (TMTs). To use the
benefits of partial phase transformation in strengthening
boundaries, the two atomized base alloys were chosen to
have low chromium equivalents (in wt.%): Fe(bal)-9Cr-2W-0.4Ti-
0.2V-0.12C (Cr-equivalent ~10%) and Fe(bal)-9Cr-2W-0.4Ti-0.2V-
0.05C (Cr-equivalent ~11.5%), respectively, named 9YWTV-PM1
and 9YWTV-PM2 alloys. The TMTs after mechanical milling and
consolidation were designed to strengthen the weak boundaries
produced by powder-metallurgy. Attempts were made to
effectively utilize the capability of computational simulation
PAGE 58
for phase equilibrium and the feedbacks from microstructural and mechanical
characterizations. Some TMTs such as 50% controlled rolling (CR) at 900ᵒC resulted in
excellent fracture toughness at high temperatures. Detailed characterization has been
performed for the best performing CR-treated NFAs.
Process Development
Researchers applied a variety of post-extrusion TMTs to the as-

extruded (consolidation-processed) 9YWTV-PM1 and 9YWTV-
PM2 alloys. To optimize the isothermal annealing condition,
specimens were annealed at or near the intercritical
temperatures (830°C–1000°C) for 30 minutes to 20 hours.
This thermal annealing temperature range was determined
according to the results of thermal stability calculation for
phases. Further, researchers applied more intensive TMTs,
i.e., controlled rolling (CR) for 20% or 50% reduction at
900°C–1000°C, to induce extensive deformation-recovery
mechanisms in partial phase transformation condition, as
illustrated in Figure 1. The research team characterized the
thermomechanically treated materials to determine their
microstructural and mechanical properties.
Figure 1. Schematics of controlled rolling (CR) treatments
applied to Fe-9Cr base NFAs.
Microstructural Characterization
Researchers analyzed the microstructures of the newly developed NFAs using an electron
backscattered diffraction (EBSD) equipped in scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a
high resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM). Grain maps for the two 9YWT-PM2
samples after 900ºC 20% rolling and 975ºC 50% rolling, which were generated using the
EBSD band contrast, were presented in Figure 2. The band contrast maps show discrete
distribution of brightness between grains and grain boundaries. Small and near-equiaxed
grains are observed in the 20% rolled NFA, while more elongated grains are observed in
the 50% rolled NFA. The grains show a common preferred orientation of <110> along the
extrusion (and rolling) direction. The vast majority of grain sizes for the NFA in as-extruded
condition were in the range of 100–300 nm. It is recognized therefore that during CR
treatments the grains grew by about three times to 300–900 nm, confirming that the new
NFAs after final TMTs are still nanograin materials.
Figure 2. EBSD maps showing

grain morphologies and
orientations. A and B sets are
from different TMT conditions:
900ᵒC 20% rolling and 975ᵒC
50% rolling, respectively
Figure 2. EBSD maps showing grain morphologies and
orientations. A and B sets are from different TMT conditions:
900ᵒC 20% rolling and 975ᵒC 50% rolling, respectively
PAGE 59
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) micrographs for the 9YWTV-PM2 after 50%
controlled rolling at 975ᵒC are shown in Figure 3. Highly elongated grains and substructures
are observed in the CR-treated material in Figure 3 (top). The subgrain structures contain
high density of dislocations. A high density of nanoparticles is observed in Figure 3
(bottom); their sizes are mostly in the range of 1–4 nm. Prior to TMT, the grains in the base
NFA had highly preferred orientation {110} to the extrusion direction and were mostly
ferrite. Nanoparticles within the ferrite grains were almost evenly distributed and their
nominal diameter was about 2 nm; particles bigger than 10 nm existed rarely. Therefore,
Figure 3 showing equally small particles indicates that the nanostructure of the NFA has
not been significantly coarsened during the TMT.
Mechanical Characterization
Researchers have completed a comprehensive fracture resistance (J-R) testing and

analysis to compare the effects of various TMT conditions and to demonstrate the
improvement of fracture toughness in the new NFAs by the controlled rolling (CR)
treatments. Cracking resistance at or near the initiation is usually defined as the fracture
toughness (critical K or J value) and is considered as the most important fracture
parameter. KJQ values were converted from the JQ values which are determined at the
intersection of the 0.2 mm shifted blunting line and J-R curve.
While thermal annealing greatly improved fracture toughness for 9YWTV-PM2, the
controlled hot-rolling resulted in even more significant increases. In Figure 4 the temperature
dependence of KJQ over a wide range of temperature up to 700ºC is displayed for
the CR-treated NFAs. In the 9YWTV-PM2 alloy the improvement of fracture toughness
by CR treatments is significant and consistent. The room temperature KJQ values were
in the range of 150–280 MPa√m and the CR-treated PM2 alloy retained similar level of
fracture toughness up to at least 300°C. Obvious decrease with temperature started
above 300°C, but the sudden decrease of fracture toughness in 200–300°C region, which
is often observed in high strength NFAs including the reference materials, did not occur in
the CR-treated 9YWTV-PM2. At the highest temperature of 700°C the KJQ value after 20%
rolling at 900°C and 50% rolling at 950°C decreased slightly below 100 MPa√m. Except
for a few data points at room temperature and 700°C, the fracture toughness data of
the CR-treated 9YWTV-PM2 fall within the band of non-NFA FM steels. Among the CR-
treatments the 50% rolling at 900°C resulted in the highest fracture toughness, after which
high KJQ velues of >150 MPa√m were retained over the entire test temperature range.
The specimens with 50% rolling at 925°C, 950°C, 975°C, and 1000°C also showed similar
KJQ values throughout the test temperature range.
The main reason for such high toughness is believed to originate from high fracture
strength combined with appropriate ductility. By the CR-treatments, the nanoscale
fracture mechanism changed from a low energy grain boundary decohesion to a
shear fracture after high plasticity. No fracture surface after a CR treatment indicated
the low-energy detachment of grain boundaries which is a common high-temperature
fracture mechanism in the high strength NFAs. For example, the 9YWTV-PM2 after 50%
CR-treated at 900°C and tested at 700°C displays highly deformed flake-like features in its
fracture surface, Figure 5. These flake-shaped units should correspond to highly deformed
nanograins as their sizes are in a few to several hundred nanometers.
PAGE 60
Figure 5. Fracture surface of 9YWTV-PM2 tested at 700°C after

50% hot-rolling at 900°C.
Figure 4. Fracture toughness data of 9YWTV-PM2 after hot-rolling
at 900°C, 925°C, 950°C, 975°C, and 1000°C, compared to the
data for FM steels and other NFAs.
Planned Activities
It was the final year of this I-NERI project. The project team has already published key
findings in a few research articles and will continue to publish in coming years. Further,
although the activities planned in the project ended as the I-NERI collaboration for the
topic is closed, further studies on the new NFAs will be continued for more scientific or
application purposes in the FC R&D and Fusion Materials Programs. Currently, basic study
on irradiation effect in a base material is carried out in Fusion Materials Program, and high
dose irradiation experiment is being pursued in FC R&D project. Upon execution of this
project we realized that the delayed phase transformation in nanostructured materials
and the stability of nanoclusters during TMTs have not been understood. Pursuing answers
to these questions should be part of our future researches.
PAGE 61
Atomic Ordering in Alloy Project Number: 2011-001-K
690 and Its Effect on

Long-Term Structural
PI (U.S.): Michael Kaufman, Colorado
School of Mines
Stability and Stress PI (ROK): Young Suk Kim, Korean

Atomic ENergy Research Institute
Corrosion Cracking Collaborators: University of North Texas

and University of Michigan
Susceptibility Program Area: Reactor Concepts

RD&D

Research Objectives
Alloy 690 is being used as a possible replacement for Alloy 600 for Project End Date: December 2014
certain applications in light water reactors. Although Alloy 690
is known to be more resistant to primary water stress corrosion
cracking (PWSCC), it is not immune to PWSCC. Furthermore, an
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) coordinated international
program has demonstrated that crack growth rates as high
as those encountered in Alloy 600 have occurred in high
temperature deaerated primary water in thermally treated Alloy
690 subjected to 20-30% cold work. To address this issue, a better
understanding of the PWSCC mechanism in Alloy 690 is required,
which is the principal aim of this proposed study. Alloy 690 is
prone to the formation of multiple chemical-ordering reactions
leading to the formation of embrittling precipitates, such as Ni2 Cr
type ordering at 420°C and Fe3 Ni/Ni3 Fe type ordering at even
lower temperatures. These ordering reactions can presumably
occur under light water reactor (LWR) operating conditions
and adversely affect the long-term structural stability and
mechanical properties of this alloy. In other words, these ordering
reactions involving Ni, Cr and Fe atoms, the main components
of Alloy 690, cannot be avoided whenever they are exposed to
high temperatures and stresses, which may be a critical factor to
govern the life time of the structural components made of Alloy
690 in reactors. The objective of this project is to examine atomic
ordering in Alloy 690 under PWR operating conditions and its
effect on mechanical integrity and intergranular stress corrosion
cracking (IGSCC) susceptibility of Alloy 690 and to extend the life
time of Alloy 690 over 60 years.
Introduction
Alloy 690 reportedly undergoes an ordering transformation after
long-term exposure at a temperature range between 350 and
475 °C to form Ni2Cr long range ordered precipitates.
PAGE 62
This ordering ultimately results in a degradation of properties. While this long-range ordering is
well recognized in the literature, the transformation to LRO from the parent matrix is not well
understood. One school of thought is that the LRO forms from a short-range order (SRO) structure
that may develop after water quenching or in the first few hours of annealing of Ni-Cr alloys [1].
The nature of this SRO and its effect on properties has been the initial focus of this collaborative
research project between the Colorado School of Mines, the University of Michigan and the
University of North Texas on the U.S. side and KAERI on the Korea side. In total, 36 thermo-
mechanical processing (TMP) conditions of Alloy 690 were prepared by KAERI and some of these
were provided to the U.S. collaborators in this project. These conditions included combinations
of solution anneal, cold work, thermal treatment, low (8.64 wt. %) and high (10.21 wt. %) iron
contents, and varying aging times (3000 and 10,000h) and temperatures (350, 420, 475 and
550°C).
TEM ANALYSIS
Evidence of Short Range Order in Alloy 690 TEM analysis of a number of the low Fe content KAERI
specimens has been conducted since the inception of this project. Significantly, regardless
of the thermomechanical processing (TMP) history, certain selected area diffraction patterns
(SADPs) contained diffuse intensities purportedly due to the presence short-range order (SRO)
[2]. Examples of the observed diffuse intensities are shown in Figure 1; as can be seen, there is
intensity in the kinematically-forbidden {422} positions in <111> patterns and ½{311} reflections
in <112> patterns. The fact that the diffuse intensities did not appear to depend on the TMP
condition suggests that the diffuse intensity might be the result of something besides SRO. Some
PROJECTof the possible
NUMBER: explanations considered to date include: (1) thermal diffuse scattering (TDS) [3],
2011-01-K
(2) spiking of higher order Laue zone (HOLZ) reflections to the zero layer, and (3) Kikuchi band
3.0 intersections.
TRANSMISSION InELECTRON
an effort MICROSCOPY
to determine if any of these explanations have merit,Table experiments
1. Long Life Breed-and-burn Fast Reactors
were conducted as follows:
3.1 Evidence of Short Range Order (SRO) in Alloy 690 Thermal Diffuse Scattering: Conduct diffraction experiments using
Parameter UCFR-1000 a)
Power, thermal/electrical [MW] 2600 / 1000
a cryogenic stage and compare SADPs at different temperatures. Spiking of HOLZ
TEM analysis of a number of the low Fe content KAERI specimens has been conducted since the
reflections:
Refueling interval [year] 60
(a)ofDetermine
inception if similarregardless
this project. Significantly, intensitiesof theare observedprocessing
thermomechanical in related (TMP)materials
history, (pure Ni and Fuela Co-Cr-Mo
form U-10Zr/SF-7Zr
Fuel density [% TD] 74.5
certainFCC alloy
selected were selected).
area diffraction patterns (SADPs)(b)contained
Look at other
diffuse zones
intensities in which
purportedly due tothethe HOLZ effects would beheight
more
Active core [cm] 240
presence short-range order (SRO) [2]. Examples of the observed diffuse intensities are shown in Figure 1;
Core diameter [cm] 600
likely. (c) Examine the effects of thickness on the nature of the
as can be seen, there is intensity in the kinematically-forbidden 1/3{422} positions in <111> patterns and diffuse intensities. (d) Determine
Fuel volume fraction [%]
if 43.7
!{311} there is any
reflections effect
in <112> of accelerating
patterns. voltage
The fact that the diffuse given
intensities did notits effect
appear on on
to depend the thediameter of the Initial
Ewald heavy sphere.
metal loading [t] 238
TMP condition suggests that the diffuse intensity might be the result of something besides SRO. Some of Specific power density [MW/t] 10.9
Kikuchi
the possible Band considered
explanations Intersections: Look(1)
to date include: atthermal
thickness effects(TDS)
diffuse scattering systematically.
[4], (2) spiking In addition, apply precession
Specific power density [W/cc] 61
electron
of higher order Lauediffraction in ordertoto
zone (HOLZ) reflections the produce
zero layer, andmore kinematic
(3) Kikuchi diffraction
band intersections. In an conditions [4].Avg. In Linear
addition to
power [kW/m] 159
effort to determine if any of these explanations have merit, experiments were conducted as follows: Peak fast neutron flux fluence [1023 n/cm2] 22
these experiments, it was decided that if these intensities represent any sort of SRO, thendriver/blanket
Avg. Burn-up, they [GWd/t] 239
Thermal Diffuse Scattering: Conduct diffraction experiments using a cryogenic stage and compare Overall Breeding ratio 1.1
SADPs should betemperatures.
at different present in any zone that contains {422} and {311} reflections. Thus, tilting experiments
a) Taewoo Tak, Deokjung Lee, and T. K. Kim, “Design of Ultralon
were conducted in which specific zones were obtained that contained these reflections.
Spiking of HOLZ reflections: (a) Determine if similar intensities are observed in related materials (pure
The
burn Strategy,” Nuclear Technology, 183, pp.427-435, Septem
b) T. K. Kim and T. A. Taiwo, “Feasibility Study of Ultra-Long Life F
Ni andresults of most
a Co-Cr-Mo FCC ofwere
PROJECT
alloy these experiments
NUMBER:
selected). 2011-01-K
(b) have
Look at other zonesbeen
in whichreported in our
the HOLZ effects wouldmonthly reports during this past
Pittsburgh, PA (2010).
c) T. K. Kim, C. Grandy, and R. Hill, “A 100MWe Advanced Sodiu
year. A summary of the results obtained is provided in Table 2.
be more likely. (c) Examine the effects of thickness on the nature of the diffuse intensities. (d) Determine
PHYSOR-2012, Knoxville, TN (2012).
if there is any effect of accelerating voltage given its effect on the diameter of the Ewald sphere. d) H. Sekimoto, K. Ryu, and Y. Yoshimura, “CANDLE: The New Bu
3.0 TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY Engineering, 139, 306-317 (2001).
Table 1. Long Life B
Figure 1: Typical selected area Para
ght water
3.1 Evidence of Short Range Order (SRO) in Alloy 690 diffraction patterns (SADPs) from study on the long-life core conce
The initial feasibility
cracking Power, thermal/elec
Alloy 690 showing diffuse scattering
CANDLE concept and additional feasibility study for
Refueling interval [ye
e (EPRI) TEM analysis of a number of the low Fe content KAERI specimens has been conducted since the are planed. Figure 1 shows
at the ⅓{422} positions concepts
in the <111> the simplified co
Fuel form
inception of this project. Significantly, regardless of the thermomechanical processing (TMP) geometry
history,
pattern (a) and the ½{311} inof the 8m-tall CANDLE concept. The CANDLE a
countered
Fuel density [% TD]
Alloy 690 certain selected area diffraction patterns (SADPs) contained diffuse intensities purportedly duestrategy
to the in axial direction: i.e., enriched uranium regio
<112> pattern (b). Active core height [c
PWSCC presence short-range order (SRO) [2]. Examples of the observed diffuse intensities are shown in Figure role of 1;
an igniter and a blanket region in axial directi
Core diameter [cm]
as can be seen, there is intensity in the kinematically-forbidden 1/3{422} positions in <111> patterns natural
andor depleted uranium. TheFuel enrichment uranium
volume fraction
!{311} reflections in <112> patterns. The fact that the diffuse intensities did not appear to depend three
on theparts, which have differentInitial
enrichment each, lo
heavy metal a
ormation consequently causes the breeding. The diameter of t
TMP condition suggests that the diffuse intensity might be the result of something besides SRO. Some of Specific power dens
dering at (a)
the possible explanations considered to date include: (b)
(1) thermal diffuse scattering (TDS) [4], (2)reflector
spiking of 50 cm thickness and this reflector
Specific is also
power dens m
or (LWR)
Figure 1: Typical selected area diffraction patterns (SADPs) from Alloy 690 showing diffuse scattering fuelIn
is a binary metallic fuel of U-Zr form.
Avg. Figures
Linear 2 and
power [k
of higher order Laue zone (HOLZ) reflections to the zero layer, and (3) Kikuchi
at the 1/3{422} positions in the <111> pattern (a) and at the !{311} in the <112> pattern (b).
band intersections. an
perties of depletion calculation: the core multiplication factors
Peak fast neutron flu
effort to determine if any of these explanations have merit, experiments were conducted as follows:
mponents function of depletion time, respectively. The fluctuat
Avg. Burn-up, driver/
hich may is due to the nature of Monte Carlo
Thermal Diffuse Scattering: Conduct diffraction experiments using a cryogenic stage and compare calculations.
Overall BreedingItrati
is
Kikuchi Band Intersections: Look at thickness effects
SADPs at different temperatures. systematically. In addition, apply precession region in the graph for the multiplication factors,
a) Taewoo Tak,whic
De
tors.
electron diffraction in order to produce more kinematic diffraction conditions [3].
of HOLZ reflections: (a) Determine if similarPAGE 63 are observed in related materials (pure performed along the axial direction. Figure 3 presentN
burn Strategy,”
operatingIn addition to theseSpiking intensities
experiments, it was decided that if these intensities represent any sort of SRO, b) that
power position whose trend line tells T. K.the
Kimpropag
and T. A
(IGSCC) Ni and a Co-Cr-Mo FCC alloy were selected). (b) Look at other zones in which the HOLZ effects would Pittsburgh, PA (2
then they should be present in any zone that contains 422 and 311 reflections. Thus, tilting experiments
be more likely. (c) Examine the effects of thickness on the nature of the diffuse intensities. (d) Determine c) T. K. Kim, C. Gra
MICROHARDNESS
PROJECT NUMBER: 2011-01-K
Several authors have shown that hardness variations are a direct indication of atomic ordering
in the Ni-Cr system [5]–[7]. As such, Vickers microhardness measurements were performed on
Alloy
4.0 690MICROHARDNESS
specimens, aged for up to 10,000h. A load of 500 gmf for 10s was used and the results
are shown in Figure 2. As expected, the hardness after cold working is increased but, other than
that,Several authors have
there appears shown
to be that hardness
essentially variations
no hardness are a direct
variation indicationofofTMP
as a function atomic ordering
history in the
or aging
Ni-Cr system
treatment. [5]–[7]. As such, Vickers microhardness measurements were performed on Alloy 690
specimens, aged for up to 10,000h. A load of 500 gmf for 10 s was used and the results are shown in
Figure 2. AsFigure 2: Vickers
expected, microhardness
the hardness resultsworking
after cold for Alloyis690 samplesbut,
increased aged up to
other 10,000
than that,h.there appears to
be essentially no hardness variation as a function of TMP history or aging treatment.
CR & TTCR
SA & TT
Figure 2: Vickers microhardness results for Alloy 690 samples aged up to 10,000 h.
5.0 LATTICE PARAMETER MEASUREMENTS

5.1 Lattice Parameter Changes in Ni-Cr
According to Taylor and Hinton [1], alloys exhibiting a high degree of order also have a smaller
lattice constant compared to the fully disordered condition. For Alloy 690, this assumption was examined
in the synchrotron at the Argonne National Lab to study the order-disorder transition in Ni2Cr alloy and
its relative effect on lattice parameter changes. Specifically, an in-situ heating test was conducted on a
LRO Ni-Cr sample (water quenched and annealed for 8,000h) by heating from room temperature at a rate
of 0.5°C per second up to 800°C and data was recorded every 18 seconds. The same was done while
cooling the sample in air.
A graph of lattice constant vs. temperature is plotted in Figure 3, with the arbitrarily selected data
points being analyzed. From this plot, it is clear that lattice expansion occurs during heating of the sample
as expected due to thermal expansion. However, the slope change observed after 630°C (marked by
arrow) could be due to disordering of the LRO structure. During cooling the slope is constant and almost
linear in lattice parameter decrease. Furthermore, after heating and then cooling, the lattice constant near
room temperature is somewhat larger than that from the initial LRO sample. It should be noted that the
lattice parameter difference is approximately 0.29%, which corresponds to the degree of lattice
contraction due to the LRO structure [8].
PAGE 64
PROJECT NUMBER: 2011-01-K
Table Table 1: Examples

2: Examples of TEM
of TEM experiments
experiments that that
havehave
beenbeen conducted
conducted in anto
in an effort effort to determine
determine if the diffuse
if theintensities
diffuse intensities from Alloy 690 (Figure 1) are due to SRO or some other effect. Table
from Alloy 690 (Figure 1) are due to SRO or some other effect.
Experiment Results Comments/Conclusions Power
e Refue
<111> patterns Similar intensities seen in Fuel fo
y,
from other patterns from other materials Fuel d
e
materials for suggesting that they are not Active
1;
comparison due to SRO but, rather, to Core
d Fuel v
some diffraction effect.
e Initial
of Speci
g Speci
n Avg. L
Pure Ni Co-Cr-Mo Peak
SADPs from other 113 012 The 1/3{422} and !{311} Avg. B
e zone axes !"!! ! !"!! ! reflections were usually not Overa
a)
containing 422 and observed in other patterns
e 311 reflections 3!
3!
containing 422 and 311 b)
!!!!!!
!" 4--! reflections. This suggests that
d
e !! !"! these diffuse intensities are not c)
!! !"!
due to SRO.!
d)
Precession electron PED No PED Loss of diffuse intensity

diffraction (PED) occurs when using PED. This The
experiments is inconsistent with SRO as it CAN
suggests that the effect is con
dynamical in nature. geo
strat
role
natu
thre
Cryostage -70°C 120°C No significant differences con
experiments observed as a function of refle
g temperature from -70°C to fuel
. 120°C. Thus, TDS seems dep
unlikely. func
is du
n regi
perf
O, pow
Thickness effects on Spots became sharper as the
s diffuse intensity in thickness was decreased. This
of <111> SADPs would be consistent with
f relrod spiking from HOLZ
reflections and inconsistent
with SRO.
PAGE 65
Table 2: Lattice parameter measurements of Alloy 690,
5. LATTICE PARAMETER CHANGES determined using the synchrotron at ANL, showing changes
5.1 Lattice Parameter Changes in Ni-Cr in lattice parameter as a function of aging.
International
According to Nuclear Energy
Taylor and Research
Hinton Initiative
[1], alloys exhibiting a high
Fiscal #ao (Å) #ao (%)
degreeYear 2013 Annual Report Sample Condition ao (Å)
of order also have a smaller lattice constant
compared to the fully disordered condition. For Alloy 690, K-XX-00-00-L 3.5724 - -
this assumption was examined in the synchrotron at the K-XX-350-10000-L 3.5700 0.0024 -0.0675
Argonne National Lab to study the order-disorder transition K-XX-420-10000-L 3.5657 0.0067 -0.1897
LATTICE PARAMETER CHANGES K-XX-475-3000-L 3.5711 0.0013 -0.0377
in a Ni2Cr alloy and its relative effect on lattice parameter
K-XX-550-10000-L 3.5733 -0.0008 0.0233
Lattice
changes.Parameter
Specifically,Changes in Ni-Crtest was conducted
an in-situ heating
on a LRO Ni-Cr sample (initially water quenched and
6. 3-D ATOM PROBE TOMOGRAPHY
According
annealed forto8,000h
Taylor at and Hinton
475°C) by[1], alloysfrom
heating exhibiting
room a high degree of order also have a smaller
lattice constant
temperature compared
at a rate of 0.5°C per to second
the fully
up disordered
to 800°C andcondition.
Atom probeFor Alloy 690, this
tomography (APT)assumption
was performed was on selected
examined in the synchrotron at the Argonne National Lab to study the order-disorder transition in
data was recorded every 18 seconds. The same was done samples of both the Ni-Cr alloy and Alloy 690 to investigate
while cooling the sample in air.
a Ni2Cr alloy and its relative effect on lattice parameter changes. Specifically, an in-situ heating chemical
the microstructure and to determine 3D
composition fluctuations. Through a data-mining algorithm
test was conducted
A graph of lattice constanton a vs. LRO Ni-Cr sample
temperature (initially
is plotted in water quenched and annealed for 8,000h
called “clustering”, inhomogeneity was detected in both
at 475°C)
Figure by heating
3, with from room
the arbitrarily selectedtemperature
data points being at a rate of 0.5°C
aged Ni2Cr per
and second
Alloy 690.up to As 800°C and
a consistency check,
data was recorded every 18 seconds. The same was water-quenched
analyzed. From this plot, it is clear that lattice expansion done while coolingsamples the sample
of both alloysinwere
air.also
A analyzed,
occurs of
graph during heating
lattice of thevs.
constant sample as expected
temperature due to in Figure 3, with the arbitrarily selected data
is plotted but no inhomogeneity was detected. It is probable that these
thermal expansion. However, the slope change observed
points being analyzed. From this plot, it is clear that lattice expansion
inhomogeneities couldoccurs during heating
be the manifestation of SRO that has
after 630°C (arrow) could be due to disordering of the LRO
of the sample as expected due to thermal
structure. During cooling, the slope is constant and almost expansion. However,
a different the slope
composition change
from observed
the matrix. Table 3 lists the
after
linear 630°C (arrow)
in lattice could decrease.
parameter be due to disordering
Furthermore, of theresults
after LRO structure. During
obtained from the cooling, the slope
various alloys and provides the
average chemical compositions of these inhomogeneities.
isheating
constant and cooling,
and then almost the linear in lattice
lattice constantparameter
near room decrease. Furthermore, after heating and
The bulk composition of Alloy 690 is Ni-35Cr-9Fe.
then cooling,
temperature the lattice
is somewhat constant
larger than that near
fromroom temperature is somewhat larger than that from
the initial
the
LROinitial LRONote
sample. sample. Note
that the thatparameter
lattice the lattice parameter
difference is difference
Table is approximately
3: 3DAPT sample condition 0.29%,
and which
resulting average
corresponds to the degree of lattice contraction due to the LRO structure [8].
approximately 0.29%, which corresponds to the degree of composition using “clustering” data-mining algorithm.
lattice contraction due to the LRO structure [8].
Sample Condition Avg. Composition (at.%)
#"
Figure Ni
3:2CrLattice
WQ parameter as a function Not detected
of
temperature for 8,000
a Ni2Cr sample initially Ni-17Cr
aged
#g" #"
Ni2Cr aged h, 475°C
for 8,000h
IN690atWQ 475°C. This was conductedNot at detected
the
lin Advanced Photon Source (APS) at (ANL).
Coo IN690 aged 3,000 h, 475°C Ni-15Cr-4Fe
ting
Hea
!"
IN690 aged 10,000 h at 475°C Ni-16Cr-4.5Fe
7. STRESS CORROSION CRACKING

Figure 3: Lattice parameter as a function of temperature for All non-cold rolled conditions of the KAERI heat have been
a Ni2Cr sample initially aged for 8,000h at 475°C. This was evaluated for their SCC initiation susceptibility. The gage
Lattice Parameter Changes in Alloy 690
conducted at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at (ANL). section of each tensile bar was mechanically abraded up to
Two of theParameter
5.2 Lattice main manifestations
Changes in Alloy of SRO
690 are thought to#4000 be lattice
grit andcontraction and increases
then electropolished. Slow strain in rate tensile
electrical (SSRT) testing was used to strain
after various up to 7%
the samples
Two of theresistivity. The lattice
main manifestations parameter
of SRO are thoughtvariations
to be ofplastic
Alloy 690 were collected
strain at 5$10-8 s-1 in 360°C high purity water
stages of heat treatment
lattice contraction and increasesininthe synchrotron
electrical atThe
resistivity. the Argonne National Lab. Table 3 shows the
containing 18 cc/kg H2. After the straining test, A JOEL
lattice parameters of Alloy 690 after a preliminary analysis
lattice parameter variations of Alloy 690 were collected of theSEM
JSM-6480 synchrotron
was used to data.
imageFrom
moreTable
than 40 equally
3, it can
after variousbestages
seenofthat
heat the lattice
treatment parameter
in the synchrotronchanges
at after
spaced various
areas at 1000Xstages
alongof theaging. UponThe images
gauge section.
aging below National
the Argonne 550°C, minimal
Lab. Table lattice contraction
3 shows is observed
the lattice compared
were examined to the water
for intergranular quenched
cracks.
parameters of Alloy 690 after a preliminary analysis of the
condition. After 550°C aging however, the matrix disorders and the lattice expands. None of
synchrotron data. From Table 3, it can be seen that the For both SA and TT samples, significant serrations due to
the heat-treatment
Table
lattice conditions
2: Lattice parameter
parameter changes showed
measurements
after various any
stages ofevidence
of Alloy
aging.
690, of LRO; instrain
dynamic the absence
aging appearof LRO,
on thethe lattice
stress strain curve. It
contraction
determined mayusingbe
the attributed
synchrotron to the
at ANL, formation
Upon aging below 550°C, minimal lattice contraction is of
showing changes SRO.was found that the average stress amplitude of the serrations
in lattice parameter as a function of aging. increased after aging treatments for both types of samples,
observed compared to the water quenched condition. After
g a high 550°C agingCondition
Sample however, the amatrix disorders and the #a
#ao (Å) lattice which may be due to microstructural changes induced by
o (Å) o (%) TableThe2: Lattice
constant expands. None of the heat-treatment conditions showed any aging. crackingparameter
results aremeasurements
summarized in Figure 4.
loy 690, K-XX-00-00-L 3.5724 - - of Alloy 690, determined
Figure 4a indicates that, for the SA samples,using the the differences
evidence of LRO; in the absence of LRO, the lattice
K-XX-350-10000-L 3.5700 0.0024 -0.0675 synchrotron at ANL, showing changes in
n at the contraction may be attributed to the formation of SRO. of crack length per unit area between different aging
ransition K-XX-420-10000-L 3.5657 0.0067 -0.1897 lattice parameter as a function of aging.
arameter K-XX-475-3000-L 3.5711 0.0013 -0.0377
onducted K-XX-550-10000-L 3.5733 -0.0008 0.0233
hed and
m room
0°C and Atom probe tomography (APT) was performed on selected
was done samples of both the Ni-Cr alloy and Alloy 690 to investigate
the microstructure and to determine 3D chemical
otted in PAGE 66
called “clustering”, inhomogeneity was detected in both
ts being
aged Ni2Cr and Alloy 690. As a consistency check,
xpansion
water-quenched samples of both alloys were also analyzed,
ameter K-XX-475-3000-L 3.5711 0.0013 -0.0377
ducted K-XX-550-10000-L 3.5733 -0.0008 0.0233
d and
room International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative
°C and Fiscal
AtomYear
probe2013 Annual(APT)
tomography Reportwas performed on selected
s done samples of both the Ni-Cr alloy and Alloy 690 to investigate
the microstructure and to determine 3D chemical
ted in
being 3-D ATOM
called PROBE inhomogeneity
“clustering”, TOMOGRAPHY was detected in both
aged Ni2Cr and Alloy 690. As a consistency check,
ansion Atom probe tomography
water-quenched (APT)
samples of both waswere
alloys performed on selected samples of both the Ni-Cr alloy and
also analyzed,
due to Alloy 690
but no to investigate
inhomogeneity wasthe microstructure
detected. andthat
It is probable to determine
these 3D chemical composition fluctuations.
served Through a data-mining
inhomogeneities could be algorithm called
the manifestation of“clustering”,
SRO that has inhomogeneity was detected in both aged
e LRO
Ni2Cr and Alloy
a different 690. Asfrom
composition a consistency check,
the matrix. Table water-quenched
3 lists the samples of both alloys were also
almost
after analyzed, but no
results obtained inhomogeneity
from was and
the various alloys detected.
provides Itthe
is probable that these inhomogeneities could
room be the manifestation
average of SRO of
chemical compositions that hasinhomogeneities.
these a different composition from the matrix. Table 3 lists the
The bulk composition of Alloy 690 is Ni-35Cr-9Fe.
results obtained from the various alloys and provides the average chemical compositions of
initial
nce is these
Tableinhomogeneities.
3: 3DAPT sample The bulk composition
condition of Alloy 690 is Ni-35Cr-9Fe.
and resulting average
ree of composition using “clustering” data-mining algorithm.
Sample Condition Avg. Composition (at.%) Table 3: 3DAPT sample condition and resulting
Ni2Cr WQ Not detected average composition using “clustering” data-
mining algorithm.
Ni2Cr aged 8,000 h, 475°C Ni-17Cr
IN690 WQ Not detected
IN690 aged 3,000 h, 475°C Ni-15Cr-4Fe
IN690 aged 10,000 h at 475°C Ni-16Cr-4.5Fe
7. STRESS CORROSION CRACKING

re for STRESS CORROSION
All non-cold CRACKING
rolled conditions of the KAERI heat have been
s was Allevaluated
non-cold for rolled
their SCC initiation of
conditions susceptibility.
the KAERI The heatgagehave been evaluated for their SCC initiation
ANL). section of each tensile bar was mechanically abraded up to
susceptibility. The gage section of each tensile bar was mechanically abraded up to #4000 grit
#4000 grit and then electropolished. Slow strain rate tensile
and thentesting
(SSRT) electropolished.
was used to strain Slow thestrain rate tensile
samples up to 7% (SSRT) testing was used to strain the samples
t to be up to 7% plastic strain -8 at-15×10-8 s-1 in 360°C high purity water containing 18 cc/kg H2. After the
plastic strain at 5$10 s in 360°C high purity water
y. The straining
containing test,
18 A JOEL
cc/kg H2JSM-6480
. After the SEM wastest,
straining used A to image more than 40 equally spaced areas at
JOEL
llected
1000X
JSM-6480along SEMthewas gaugeused section.
to image moreThe images
than 40 were equallyexamined for intergranular cracks. For both
tron at
lattice SA and areas
spaced TT samples,
at 1000Xsignificant
along the gaugeserrations
section. dueThetoimages
dynamic strain aging appear on the stress strain
of the curve. It was found that the average stress amplitude of the serrations increased after aging
were examined for intergranular cracks.
hat the treatments
For both SA
PROJECT for
andboth
NUMBER: types ofsignificant
TT samples,
2011-01-K samples,serrations
which may due tobe due to microstructural changes induced
aging. by aging.strain
dynamic The cracking
aging appear results
on theare summarized
stress strain curve. in It
Figure 4. Figure 4a indicates that, for the SA
tion is conditions
samples,
was foundthe fall differences
that within
the averagethe measurement
of crack
stress amplitude errors
lengthof theand
per thus
unitare
serrationsarea The crackingdifferent
between results of aging
thermally treated, cold
conditions rolled sample
fall
not statistically significant. For TTforsamples agedof forsamples,
3000 h are summarized in Figure 6. The crack length per unit area
. After within the measurement errors and thus are not statistically significant. For TT samples aged for
increased after aging treatments both types
lattice however
which may (Figure
be due 4b),tothemicrostructural
crack length per unit area
changes changes
induced by decreases as the aging temperature increases. Accordingly,
3000 h however
slightly. (Figure
Significantly, as 4b),
theare the crack
aging length per
time increases up unit
to area changes
it is thought thatslightly. Significantly,
the residual cold work as the cold rolled
in those
ed any aging. The cracking results summarized in Figure 4.
aging
10000 time
Figure h, 4athe increases
crack length
indicates up
that, for to 10000
pertheunit
SAarea h, the crack
for thethesample
samples, length
aged
differences per unit area for the sample aged at 350°C
samples plays a dominant role in SCC susceptibility over
lattice
. increases
at
of 350°C significantly
crack increases
length per while
significantly
unit areathat
while forthat
between the forsample
the sample
different aged at
aging any475°C decreases
possible formation ofbelow the value for
ordering.
the
agednon-aged sample. below the value for the non-aged
at 475°C decreases
sample.
Figure 4: Crack length per unit area of (a) solution
annealed and aged samples, and (b) thermally
treated and aged samples which were strained to
7% at 5×10-8 s-1 in 360°C water containing 18 cc/
kg H2.
(a) (b)
Figure 4: tests
Straining Crackwith
length per unit area
thermally of (a) solution
treated, annealed
cold rolled and aged samples have also been performed.
and aged samples, and (b) thermally treated and aged
It is very difficult to initiate SCC on cold rolled samples using the
Figure 6: slow
Crackstrain rate results
counting test technique
of cold rolled and
samples which were strained to 7% at 5$10-8 s-1 in 360C
due to the limited uniform elongation. K-TTCR-00-00 was strained to failure at 5×10-8 -8s-1 -1in 360°C
thermally treated samples with two aging conditions which
water containing 18 cc/kg H2. were strained to 2% at 1$10 s in 360 C water
Straining tests with thermally treated, cold rolled and aged containing 18 cc/kg H2.
samples have also been performed. It is very difficult to
8. REFERENCES
initiate SCC on cold rolled samples using the slow strain
PAGE 67
rate test technique due to the limited uniform elongation. [1] A. Taylor and K. G. Hinton, “A study of order-disorder
K-TTCR-00-00 was strained to failure at 5$10-8 s-1 in 360 and precipitation phenomena in Nickel-Chromium
initiate SCC on cold rolled samples using the slow strain
rate test technique due to the limited uniform elongation. [1] A. Taylor and K. G. Hinton, “A study of order-disorder
K-TTCR-00-00 was strained to failure at 5$10-8 s-1 in 360 and precipitation phenomena in Nickel-Chromium
C water containing 18 cc/kg H2. No significant SCC cracks alloys,” J. Inst. Met., vol. 81, pp. 169–180, 1952.
could be found after the test. Thus, in the straining tests [2] E. Lang, V. Lupinc, and A. Marucco, “Effect of
Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report thermomechanical treatments on short-range ordering
using K-TTCR-350-3000 and K-TTCR-475-3000 samples,
both were strained to approximately 2% at a slower rate and secondary-phase precipitation in Ni-Cr-based
1$10-8 s-1. The yield strengths are shown in Figure 5a. alloys,” Mater. Sci. Eng. A, vol. 114, pp. 147–157, Jul.
water containing 18
K-TTCR-350-3000 hadcc/kg
slightlyH2. No yield
lower significant
strengthSCCthan cracks 1989.
could be found after the test. Thus,
[3] D. B. Williams and C. B. Carter, Transmission Electron
in the straining tests using K-TTCR-350-3000 andatK-TTCR-475-3000
did K-TTCR-00-00 while K-TTCR-475-3000 yielded a samples, both were strained
much lower value than the other two samples. It is likely Microscopy: A Textbook for Materials Science, 2nd ed.
to approximately 2% at a slower rate 1×10-8 s-1. The yield strengths
New York: Springer,are shown
2009. in Figure 5a.
that aging at 475C resulted in greater recovery, which
K-TTCR-350-3000 had slightly lower yield strength than [4] didC.K-TTCR-00-00 while and
S. Own, W. Sinkler, K-TTCR-475-3000
L. D. Marks, “Prospects for
causes greater softening in sample K-TTCR-475-3000. The
yielded at a much lower value than the
average stress and strain amplitudes of the serrations are other two samples. It is likely
aberration that aging
correctedat 475°C resultedprecession.,”
electron
inshown
greater recovery, which causes greater
in Figure 5b. The data from K-TTCR-00-00 are also softening in sample K-TTCR-475-3000.
Ultramicroscopy, vol. 107, The
no. average
6–7, pp. 534–42, 2007.
stress and strain amplitudes of the serrations
included for comparison although this sample was strained are shown in
[5]Figure
A. 5b.
Marucco,The data
“Atomic from and %’-Cr phase
K-TTCR-00-00
Ordering
are also included for comparison although this sample was strained at 5×10-8 s-1. The results
-8 -1 precipitation in long-term aged Ni3Cr and Ni2Cr alloys,”
at 5$10 s . The results indicate that, in addition to
J.
indicate that, in addition to significant softening, the average stress amplitude was reduced
significant softening, the average stress amplitude was Mater. Sci., vol. 30, pp. 4188–4194, 1995.
[6] F. Delabrouille, D. Renaud, F. Vaillant, and J. Massoud,
slightly.
reduced Suchslightly. significant softening
Such significant of cold
softening rolled
of cold samples creates a concern that any possible
rolled
samples creates a concern that any possible effect of “Long range ordering of alloy 690,” in 14th. Int. Conf.
effect of ordering on the SCC behavior would be masked by onthe reductionDegradation
Environmental in residual cold work in Nuclear
of Materials
ordering on the SCC behavior would be masked by the
due to theinthermal
reduction residual coldtreatment.
work due to the thermal treatment. Power Systems, 2009, vol. 690, no. 1988, pp. 888–894.
[7] A. Marucco, “Atomic ordering in the Ni-Cr-Fe system,”
Mater. Sci. Eng. A, vol. 189, no. 1–2, pp. 267–276, Dec.
Figure 5: (a) Yield strengths and (b) average stress
and strain1994.amplitudes of serrations of thermally
[8] and
treated G. A. Young, J.samples
cold-rolled D. Tucker,
in theand D. R. Eno, “The
un-aged
and agedkinetics
conditions
of longwhich
rangewere strained
ordering in 360
in Ni-Cr and Ni-Cr-Fe
oC water alloys,”
containing in Proceedings
18 cc/kg H2of the 16th Annual Conference
The cracking results of thermally treated, cold rolled sample on the Environmentally Assisted Cracking of Materials
are summarized in Figure (a) 6. The crack length per unit (b)area in Nuclear Power Systems - Water Reactors, 2013, pp.
decreasesTheas cacking
the aging results
temperatureof thermally
increases. treated,
Accordingly,
Figure 5: (a) Yield strengths and (b) average stress and cold rolled sample1–22. are summarized in Figure 6. The
it is thought that
strain the residual
amplitudes cold
of work
serrations in those
of cold
thermallyrolled
crack length per unit area decreases as the aging temperature increases. Accordingly, it is
treated and
samples plays a dominant roleininthe
SCC susceptibility overconditions
thought
cold-rolled that the residual
samples cold work
un-aged andinaged
those cold rolled samples plays a dominant role in SCC
any possible formation
which were strained of ordering.
in 360 o
C waterformation
containing 18
susceptibility over any possible of cc/kg H2
ordering.
Figure 6: Crack counting results of cold rolled and thermally

treated samples with two aging conditions which were strained
to 2% at 1×10-8 s-1 in 360 ° C water containing 18 cc/kg H2.
Figure 6: Crack counting results of cold rolled and

REFERENCES
thermally treated samples with two aging conditions which
-8
[1] A. Taylor
were strained to and
2% K.atG.1$10 s-1study
Hinton, “A C water and precipitation phenomena in Nickel-Chromium alloys,” J. Inst.
of order-disorder
in 360
Met.,
containing 18vol. 81, H
cc/kg pp.
2 . 169–180, 1952.
[2] E. Lang, V. Lupinc, and A. Marucco, “Effect of thermomechanical treatments on short-range ordering and secondary-
8. REFERENCES
phase precipitation in Ni-Cr-based alloys,” Mater. Sci. Eng. A, vol. 114, pp. 147–157, Jul. 1989.
[1] A. Taylor
[3] D. B.and
Williams
K. G.and C. B. Carter,
Hinton, “A studyTransmission Electron Microscopy: A Textbook for Materials Science, 2nd ed. New York:
of order-disorder
andSpringer, 2009. phenomena in Nickel-Chromium
precipitation
alloys,”
[4] C.J.S.Inst.
Own,Met., vol. 81,
W. Sinkler, pp.
and 169–180,
L. D. 1952.
Marks, “Prospects for aberration corrected electron precession.,” Ultramicroscopy, vol.
[2] E. 107,
Lang,no. V.6–7,Lupinc,
pp. 534–42,
and2007.
A. Marucco, “Effect of
thermomechanical treatments
[5] A. Marucco, “Atomic on short-range
Ordering and α’-Cr ordering
phase precipitation in long-term aged Ni3Cr and Ni2Cr alloys,” J. Mater.
andSci.,
secondary-phase precipitation
vol. 30, pp. 4188–4194, 1995. in Ni-Cr-based
alloys,” Mater. Sci. Eng. A, vol. 114, pp. 147–157, Jul.
[6] F. Delabrouille, D. Renaud, F. Vaillant, and J. Massoud, “Long range ordering of alloy 690,” in 14th. Int. Conf. on
1989.
Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems, 2009, vol. 690, no. 1988, pp. 888–894.
[3] D. B. Williams and C. B. Carter, Transmission Electron
[7] A. Marucco, “Atomic ordering in the Ni-Cr-Fe system,” Mater. Sci. Eng. A, vol. 189, no. 1–2, pp. 267–276, Dec. 1994.
Microscopy: A Textbook for Materials Science, 2nd ed.
New[8]York:
G. A. Young, J. D.
Springer, Tucker, and D. R. Eno, “The kinetics of long range ordering in Ni-Cr and Ni-Cr-Fe alloys,” in Proceedings
2009.
of Own,
[4] C. S. the 16thW.Annual
Sinkler,Conference on the Environmentally
and L. D. Marks, “Prospects for Assisted Cracking of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems - Water
Reactors, 2013, pp. 1–22.
aberration corrected electron precession.,”
Ultramicroscopy, vol. 107, no. 6–7, pp. 534–42, 2007.
[5] A. Marucco, “Atomic Ordering and %’-Cr phase
precipitation in long-term aged Ni3Cr and Ni2Cr alloys,” PAGE 68
J. Mater. Sci., vol. 30, pp. 4188–4194, 1995.
Development of Micro- Project Number: 2011-002-K
Characterization
Techniques for Nuclear
PI (U.S.): Peter Hosemann, University of
California, Berkeley
Materials PI (ROK): Chansun Shin, Korea Atomic

Collaborators: Lead, Korea Atomic

Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and
Background
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Since 2003, small scale mechanical testing has been available
to the material science community. While a large amount Program Area: Reactor Concepts
of basic scientific knowledge has been obtained during this RD&D
period, the application towards nuclear engineering issues is Project Start Date: December 2011
rather limited due to the limitations of engineering alloys as well
as errors associated with the techniques and undeveloped Project End Date: December 2014
procedures. The potential benefits and potential high impact of
these techniques however, include but are not limited to:
••Reduced amount of radioactive material per sample to make

sample handling easier and more time and cost effective.
••Being able to sample small components from reactors as well
as specific areas of interest (welds, joints, bend areas, etc..)
••Making mechanical property data available on ion beam
irradiated materials as “surrogates“ for neutron irradiated
samples.
••Obtaining large amount of statistics from small materials
irradiated in reactors and being able to cross calibrate the
large number of small scale mechanical testing data with the
limited number of large scale mechanical testing data.
••Due to limited archived materials, the materials testing can
often times only be conducted at a limited number of conditions
(temperature, strain rate, environment) increasing the number
of possible tests by downsizing the individual specimen size on
the same material will allow to maximize the number of data
from irradiated library samples.
Due to the large number of substantial benefits of new
mechanical testing techniques, the intention of this project
is to evaluate the existing small-scale testing techniques to
improve and adapt them for engineering alloys or develop new
techniques and evaluate the limitations for engineering alloys.
One of the main questions is when and under what condition
can bulk properties be measured using small scale mechanical
testing. In the current program with KAERI we investigate exactly
this issue using microcompression testing on irradiated and not
PAGE 69
irradiated structural materials. In the current work stainless steel, ODS alloys and copper has been
tested with well selected microstructural features and conditions. Different thermo mechanical
treatments were applied to those materials to achieve a different grain structure. Subsequent
systematic micro compression testing was performed in order to evaluate when the material
deviates from its original bulk data. In addition, ion beam irradiated materials (Stainless steel,
ODS alloys as well as F/M steels) are subject of investigation to evaluate the property changes
due to displacement damage.
Current Project Status Summary

The project plan of this I-NERI describes the systematic development and investigation of
small-scale material testing on structural materials for nuclear application. These rather novel
methods have the potential to evaluate irradiation-induced mechanical property changes from
rather small-sized samples. The advantage of these testing techniques is to access ion beam
irradiated materials and allow one to gain mechanical testing data on 10-20μm deep irradiated
samples. In addition, the sample size required for reactor irradiated materials is rather small so
that radioactive samples can be handled in a university setting without the need for hot cells.
While these techniques have clear benefits to irradiated materials, they also allow the testing of
mechanical properties from specific areas such as welds and surface near regions of interest.
The three-year project was started on November 2011, on the basis of a collaboration of three
organizations (UCB, KAERI, LANL). While we had frequent exchange via online meetings between
KAERI, UCB and LANL, we also had a visit in Korea in 2013. Peter Hosemann visited KAERI for a
week in March 2013 and detailed discussions together with actual hands on demonstrations
were done. Peter Hosemann demonstrated the at UCB developed technique of micro bend bar
testing on edges as it was conducted for the bend bar testing from the last report.
Also, several joined publications are either published or under review as direct results of this
project while two more publications are currently under preparation at UC Berkeley.
Narrative Results:
Fabrication of micro/nano-scale testing samples and initial multiscale materials testing (not
irradiated).
Compression Testing of Ultrafine Grain Copper Nanopillars: A “Strength Determining Features”
Study
Contributors: C. Howard, P. Hosemann
Scope: In order to evaluate scaling effects, an ultra-fine grained Cupper sample was selected
to conduct thorough scaling studies with varying grain sizes. Many micro compression samples
were manufactured and tested. The tests were carried out on as processed specimens with a
very fine grain size as well as on annealed specimen with larger grain size. The specimen grain
sizes are shown as function of heat treatment in Figure 1. It can be seen that the grains of the
sample grow rapidly as a function of annealing time and temperature. Both extreme cases (as
processed with the samples grain size) as well as the large grained material were selected for
conducting micro compression tests. All tests conducted are summarized in the Plots in Figure 2.
The micro compression data and YS measured are directly compared to tensile test data of the
same material. It was found that no change in yield stress as a function of specimen geometry
was found.
PAGE 70
Figure 1:
Figure 1: Grain
Grain size
size asas aa function
function of
of heat
heat treatment
treatment measured
measured using
using Scanning
Scanning electron
electron
Figure Figure
1: 1: Grain
Grain size size
as as function
a a functionofofheat
heat treatment
treatment measured
measured using
usingScanning
Scanning electron
Microscopy and the intersect methods.
Microscopy and the intersect methods.
electron
Microscopy and theMicroscopy and the intersect methods.
intersect methods.
a)
a)
a) b)
b)
b)
Figure 2:
Figure 2: Yield
Yield stress
stress as
as aa function
function of of pillar
pillar diameter
diameter to to grain
grain size
size ratio
ratio of of the
the as
as processed
processed
FigureFigure
2: 2: Yield
Yield stress
stress as as
a a function
function of of pillardiameter
pillar diametertotograingrainsize
size ratio
ratio ofof the
the as processed
as
sample
sample with 200nm
with 200nm grain
grain size.
size. The
The black
black and
and red
red dots
dots are
are the
the data
data points measured
points measured by by
sampleprocessed
with 200nmsample with
grain 200nm
size. The grain
blacksize.
andThered
black
dots andare red
thedotsdataarepoints
the datameasured by
macroscopic
macroscopic tensile testing.
tensile
points measured testing. ItIt is
by macroscopic is found
found that
that nono change
change in yield
It is in yieldthatstress
stress is observed
is observed
in a).a). Work
Work
macroscopic
hardening astensile
a testing.
function of pillar found tensile
It is diameter
diameter that
to notesting.
change
grain size infound
ratio.yield
A stress
decrease
no change
isin
in observed
work a). Work
hardening can
yield stress is observed a). Work hardening as a function of pillar diameter to
hardening as a function of pillar to grain size ratio. A decrease work hardening can
hardening
be as a
grain size
observed
be observed function
with
withratio. of pillar
A decrease
sample
sample size.
size. diameter to grain size ratio. A decrease
in work hardening can be observed with sample in work hardening can
be observed
size. with sample size.
!!
"#$$
"#$$
Figure 3: Yield strength
as aaasfunction
a function of the ratio of pillar diameter vs.vs. grain size.It
ItItcan
Figure
Figure
Figure
that can
3:
these
that these
are
%$
3: Yield
3: Yield
%$samples
be
Yieldseen
samples
strength
strength
that
strength
do
samples dotest
the tensile
as
these
as
show
show a a
function
samples
function
size
a size
data.
of the
of
do
of
effect.
effect.
B)effect.
the
show
the
ratio
ratio
a
ratio
Again theof
Again the red
work Again
hardening
of pillar
of
size
pillar
effect.
pillar
red
diameter
diameter
Again
diameter
data points the
vs.
vs.
are
data pointsofare
as data
a function
grain
grain
red data
grain
the
the
size.
size.
points
size.
tensile
tensile It
testcan
can be
be seen
be
data.
test data. B)
seen
seen
B)
that these doaashow a size the red points arethe
the ratio of test
tensile pillardata. B)
&&! !! as a function of the ratio of pillar diameter vs .grain size.

work
work hardening
hardening as
as function
function
diameter vs .grain size.
of
of the
the ratio
ratio of
of pillar
pillar diameter
diameter vs
vs .grain
.grain size.
size.
work hardening
PAGE 71
In our
In our teststests it was
it was found
found thatthat small
small grains
grains in the
in the order
order of 200nm
of 200nm or or less
less dodo allow
allow oneone
to to measure
measure
identical
identical yieldyield stress
stress compared
compared to to macroscopic
macroscopic tensile
tensile testing.
testing. Largergrained
Larger grainedandandannealed
annealed
structures
structures do show
do show evidence
evidence of a of a size
size effect.
effect. WeWecancan
say say
thatthat small
small scale
scale testing
testing allows
allows oneone
to to
probe polycrystalline samples with no size effect at small microstructural length
probe polycrystalline samples with no size effect at small microstructural length scales. Larger scales. Larger
microstructural features show a size effect but pillars of sufficient size can mitigate this effect.
microstructural features show a size effect but pillars of sufficient size can mitigate this effect.
Materials testing of the ion beam irradiated samples.

Materials testing of the ion beam irradiated samples.
Compression Testing of Ion Irradiated K3 ODS materials
Compression
Contributors:Testing of Ion S.Irradiated
C. Howard, Parker, A. K3 ODS materials
Lupinacci, P. Hosemann, W. Choi, M. Fluss.
Contributors: C. Howard, S. Parker, A. Lupinacci, P. Hosemann, W. Choi, M. Fluss.
Ion Ion
beambeam irradiated
irradiated samples
samples are are made
made available
available to and
to us us and thorough
thorough mechanical
mechanical testing
testing studies
studies
have been conducted. We conducted nanoindentation as well as micro compression testing onon
have been conducted. We conducted nanoindentation as well as micro compression testing
ion beam irradiated materials. The samples have been irradiated via triple ion beam irradiation
ion beam irradiated materials. The samples have been irradiated via triple ion beam irradiation
and different depth of the irradiation profile show different dose or ion concentration (He , H or
and self
different depth
ions) as of the by
indicated irradiation profile
the sketch show4.different dose or ion concentration (He , H or
in Figure
self ions) as indicated by the sketch in Figure 4.
Figure 4: Sheamtic sketch of the mechcnail testing vs. ion beam irradaion profile on the tripple
Figure
ion beam 4: Sheamtic
irriadted sketch of the mechcnail testing vs. ion beam irradaion profile on the tripple ion
samples.
beam irriadted samples.
Figure
Figure 5: presents
5: presents thethe micro
micro compression
compression datadata obtained
obtained fromfrom different
different partsparts of the
of the irradiation
irradiation
spectrum
spectrum on theonsample
the sampleK3-ODSK3-ODS as well
as well as as Eurofer
Eurofer 97.ItItwas
97. wasfound
foundthatthatthe
theODS
ODS alloys
alloys shows
showsno
change
no change in inYied
Yiedstress
stressasasa afunction
functionofofHe,
He,HHand
anddpadpa while
while thethe Eurofer
Eurofer 9797sample
sample does
does show
show a a
change
change and theandimplanted
the implanted
regionregion
showsshows the highest
the highest YS. YS.In In addition,
addition it was
it was observed
observed that
that somesome
pillars
pillars manufactuired
manufactuired exactly
exactly in thein the He region
He region showshow signifciant
signifciant evidence
evidence of aofbrittle
a brittle
likelike failure
failure
wherewhere sudden
sudden shearshear
of theofpillars
the pillars are observed.
are observed. This This shows
shows thatthat
the the
ODS ODS alloy
alloy experienced
experienced little
little
change due to the harsh triple ion beam irradiation while
change due to the harsh triple ion beam irradiation while the F/M steel does. the F/M steel does.
PAGE 72
Figure 5: Triple ion beam irradiation profile on K3 ODS alloy a) and Eurofer 97 b) in different
Figure 5: Triple
Figure 5: Triple
regions ion beam
ionion
of the beam irradiation
irradiation
beam profile
profile
implantation. on on K3 ODS
K3 ODS alloy alloy
a) anda)Eurofer
and Eurofer 97 b) in regions
97 b) in different different
of the ion beam implantation.
regions of the ion beam implantation.
Development of In-situ EBSD measurements.
Development of In-situ EBSD measurements.
Lage grained
Development materials
Lage grained are
of In-situ heavily
EBSD
materials influenced
measurements.
are heavily by the grain
influenced by the structure and orientation
grain structure of the of the
and orientation
specimen. A setup
Lage specimen.A
grained geometry
materials was developed allowing in-situ Electron backscatter Diffraction
setup geometry was developed allowing in-situ Electron backscatter ofDiffraction
are heavily influenced by the grain structure and orientation the
(EBSD) measurements
specimen.A setup during
geometryin-situ
was pillar testing.
developed This allows
allowing one to
in-situ determine
Electron the critical
backscatter
(EBSD) measurements during in-situ pillar testing. This allows one to determine the critical resolved
Diffraction
shear stress
(EBSD) on a pillar
shearinstress
measurements
resolved –situ during
during testing
on ain-situ inand
pillar pillar one can This
testing.
–situ duringcompareallows
testing theone
and mechancial
onetocan properties
determine
compare the of
thecritical
mechancial
different
resolved pillars manufactured
shear in different
stress on a pillar grains.
in –situ during testing and one can compare the mechancial
properties of different pillars manufactured in different grains.
properties of different pillars manufactured in different grains.
Figure 6: insitu mechanical testing of a micro

Figure 6: in situ mechanical testing
pillar in the SEM and related EBSD scan on
Figure
of6: in situpillar
a micro mechanical testing
in the SEM and
the pillar tested.
of a micro pillar
related EBSD in the SEM
scan andpillar
on the
relatedtested.
EBSD scan on the pillar
tested.
List of Publications
List of Publications
1. List of1.
C. Shin, Publications
H.-ha Jin, W.-J.
C. Shin, Kim,
H.-ha Ji-Y.
Jin, ParkKim,
W.-J. “Mechanical Properties
Ji-Y. Park and Deformation
“Mechanical Properties andof Deformation
Cubic Silicon of Cubic
1. C.Micropillars
Carbide Shin, H.-ha inJin, W.-J.
CompressionKim,atJi-Y.
Room Park “Mechanical
Temperature” J. Properties
Am. Ceram. and Deformation
Soc.,
Silicon Carbide Micropillars in Compression at Room Temperature” J. Am. 95[9] of Cubic
2944-2950
Ceram. Soc.,
(2012) Silicon Carbide Micropillars
95[9] 2944-2950 (2012) in Compression at Room Temperature” J. Am. Ceram. Soc.,
95[9] 2944-2950
2. C. (2012)
Shin, H.-h Jin, H. Sung, D.-J. Kim, Y.S. Choi, K. Oh “Evaluation of Irradiation Effects
2. C. Shin, H.-h Jin, H. Sung, D.-J. Kim, Y.S. Choi, K. Oh “Evaluation of Irradiation Effects on Fracture
2. C. Shin,on H.-h Jin, Strength
Fracture H. Sung,ofD.-J. Kim,Carbide
Silicon Y.S. Choi, K.Micropillar
using Oh “Evaluation of Irradiation
Compression Tests”Effects
Exp. Mech.,
Strength of Silicon Carbide using Micropillar Compression Tests” Exp. Mech., DOI 10.1007/s11340-
on Fracture
DOI Strength of Silicon Carbide using Micropillar Compression Tests” Exp. Mech.,
10.1007/s11340-012-9678-1
012-9678-1
DOI
3. 10.1007/s11340-012-9678-1
C. Shin, C. , S. Lim, H-H. Jin, P. Hosemann, J. Kwon; Development and testing of micro
3. C.
3. Shin, C.
C. Shin, ,C.S. ,Lim,
compression H-H.
S. Lim, Jin,
post P.irradiation
for H-H. Jin,Hosemann, J. Kwon;
P. Hosemann, Development
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characterization steels;
of ODS J. Nucl. Mat.
steels; J. 444 (2014)
Nucl. Mat. 43-48
444 (2014)
43-48
PAGE 73
Verification and Validation Project Number: 2011-003-K
of High-Fidelity Multi-
Physics Simulation Codes
PI (U.S.): Changho Lee, Argonne
National Laboratory
for Advanced Nuclear PI (ROK): Hyun Chul Lee, Korea Atomic

Reactors Collaborators: None

Research Objectives RD&D
The objective of this project is to verify and validate a suite Project Start Date: October 2011
of high- fidelity multi-physics simulation methods and codes
Project End Date: November 2014
developed during a previous I-NERI project. The team compares
results against Monte Carlo solutions and experimental
measurements for light water reactor (LWR) and very high-
temperature reactor (VHTR) cores. The main focus for FY 2013
was: to verify the DeCART neutronics code against numerical
benchmark problems such as two-dimensional (2D) problems of
PMR200 and HTTR cores; to improve code capabilities in terms of
cross-section library group structure optimization, fundamental
and generalized adjoint equation solver, cylindrical boundary
treatment, improved ray tracing, and direct resonance integral
table method for resonance treatment; and, to develop the
generalized cross section library and application programming
interface (API) which can be applied to various reactor types
including LWR, VHTR, and sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR).
Research Progress
Verification and Validation of the DeCART Neutronics Code for
the VHTR
The project team has prepared many numerical benchmark
problems based on PMR200 and HTTR cores for integral-effect
tests of DeCART. From the tests, it was found that the DeCART
cross section library for VHTR underestimates the multiplication
factor up to -750pcm for some pin cell problems. In the depletion
benchmark with the burnable poison (BP) loaded 2D PMR200,
DeCART underestimated the multiplication factor at the
beginning of cycle but overestimation was introduced with
depletion, resulting in the error of up to 350 pcm at the middle
of cycle. In the 2D HTTR benchmark, DeCART overestimated the
multiplication factor for the fresh core by about 500 pcm, which
is inconsistent with the PMR200 benchmark results. These errors
will be investigated when updating DeCART and its cross section
library next year.
PAGE 74
Figure 1. DeCART 2D 1/6 Core Model and Depletion Calculation Results for HTTR
A validation test of DeCART was initiated this year using the HTTR experimental benchmark. Prior
to DeCART calculations, reference solutions were obtained by the McCARD Monte Carlo code
with ENDF/B-VII.0 or VII.1 data. It was noticed that the McCARD results with ENDF/B-VII.1 were
much closer to the experimental results than those with ENDF/B-VII.0. Since the updated data
of the HTTR start-up core was recently obtained, the 3-D DeCART and McCARD models will be
revised next year to compare simulation results with the experiment data.
A methodology was developed this year to optimize the neutron energy group structure for the
cross section library. Preliminary results showed that the optimization produced less number of
fast groups, more number of resonance groups, and similar thermal group structures, compared
with the existing HELIOS 190-G structure. It was also found that the more number of groups were
placed at the peaks of resonances and the less number of groups were located at the valleys
of resonances. The resulting optimized group structure will be used to improve the accuracy of
the cross section library next year.
Several new features were implemented into DeCART this year. Fundamental and generalized
adjoint flux solvers were implemented for sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. A new boundary
model was developed to accurately treat the cylindrical boundary. The Gaussian azimuthal
angle discretization developed last year was implemented into DeCART to reduce the error
associated with the azimuthal angle discretization. The direct resonance integral table (RIT)
method for resonance treatment was implemented to remove the difficulties in generating the
subgroup data.
Verification of the DeCART/CORONA code system for the VHTR multi-physics simulation was
initiated this year. As an initial effort, a preliminary calculation of CORONA for the OECD/NEA
MHTGR-350 neutronics/thermal fluid coupled benchmark was carried out. A coupled analysis of
DeCART/CORONA for the MHTGR-350 coupled benchmark will be carried out next year.
Generation and verification of the generalized cross section library for thermal and fast reactors
In FY13, Argonne tasks have been modified since the focus of the NEAMS program supporting
the I-NERI project was changed from LWR to SFR and accordingly the work scope of Argonne
PAGE 75
had to be altered. A new task was created by expanding Task 2F (generation of a generalized
cross section library) to include verification activities as well as development of the cross section
API. Instead, the tasks associated with LWR were removed.
A generalized cross section methodology and library was developed for application to various
reactor types including LWR, VHTR, and SFR. The ultrafine group (2158 groups) cross section library
including the resonance integral tables was produced by the GeneCS code using the cross
section data generated from MC2-3 and NJOY. The resonance integral tables were formulated
for absorption, nu-fission, and scattering cross sections. The ultrafine group cross section library can
be condensed to a broad group library for specific use on a target reactor. This is accomplished
using the group condensation optimization algorithm which uses a representative neutron
spectrum and various homogeneous or pin cell compositions for the reactor type of interest.
The number of the broad groups for the reduced library is determined by a group condensation
error criterion.
For verification tests of the developed cross section library, seven different compositions of SFR
were selected. Reference solutions were generated using MCNP5 and MC2-3. The maximum
difference in eigenvalue between the two codes is 144 pcm. The eigenvalue solutions from the
RI table method with the 2158 group library (using the Bondarenko iteration for resonance self-
shielding) agreed well with MCNP5 solutions within 196 pcm. The group optimization resulted in
the broad group libraries with 383, 219, and 142 groups depending upon the criterion of ∆k set
to 5, 20, and 50 pcm. The eigenvalues from the broad group libraries agreed with the MCNP5
solutions within 225, 230, and 327 pcm ∆k, respectively.
For LWR, the broad groups resulted from the group condensation optimization process were
204, 120, and 78 groups for a ∆k criterion of 5, 20, and 50 pcm, respectively. These broad groups
have the smaller number of groups than those for SFR. This is because coarser groups were
determined in the high energy range which are more important to SFR but less important to LWR.
The eigenvalues from the broad group libraries with 204, 120, and 78 groups were off from the
MCNP5 solutions by maximum 186, 144, and 183 pcm ∆k, while the eigenvalue from the ultrafine
group library agreed with the MCNP5 solution within 198 pcm ∆k.
For VHTR, the resulting broad groups were 198, 113, and 76 groups for different ∆k criteria. Similar
to LWR, the resulting numbers of broad groups with the same stopping criteria for determining
group boundaries are smaller than those for SFR. In addition, the number of broad groups for
VHTR is similar to those for LWR, even though the allocation of group boundaries are somewhat
different each other. The eigenvalues from the ultrafine group (2158), 198, 113, and 76 broad
group libraries were off from the MCNP5 solutions by maximum 174, 195, 244, and 317 pcm ∆k,
respectively. Further verification tests will be performed for various heterogeneous problems next
year.
The cross section application programming interface (API), as shown in Figure 2, was developed
to make it easier to implement the cross section generation tool into any transport code. The
subgroup method option was created as a cross section generation method of the cross section
API. The generalized cross section method will be another option of the cross section API next
year. The cross section API requires the transport solver with the fixed source problem to obtain
the region-wise escape cross sections for resonance self-shielding. The fixed source solver should
be provided by the transport code to which the cross section API is implemented. The subgroup
API has been connected to the Argonne unstructured finite element mesh based neutronics
code PROTEUS as well as DeCART. Preliminary test results with pin cell and small lattice problems
indicated its successful implementation to the transport code.
PAGE 76
Cross Section Neutron

API Transport Code
Geometry
Resonance Composition
Treatment with Input
Cross
Temperature Fixed
section
and Problem
Library Background Solver
Cross Section Multigroup Whole Core
Conditions Cross Section Transport
Calculation
Figure 2. Interaction between Cross Section API and Neutron Transport Solver
Planned Activities
In the last project year, the research team will complete the remaining Tasks 1, 3, and 4.
Task 1 (Verification and Validation of Neutronics Code for VHTR)

••Analyze numerical and experimental benchmark problems for VHTR to complete the
assessment of the accuracy of DeCART.Further improve accuracy and computational
efficiency of DeCART.
••Update and test the multi-group cross-section library for VHTR.
Task 3 (Verification of Multi-physics Simulation Code System for VHTR)
••Verify the DeCART/CORONA coupled code system for VHTR multi-physics simulation against
the OECD/NEA MHTGR-350 neutronics/thermal fluid coupled benchmark problem. Initiate
efforts to verify the multi-physics simulation.
Task 4 (Generation and Verification of the Generalized Cross Section Library for Fast and Thermal
Reactors)
••Verify the generalized cross section library using DeCART for various benchmark problems of
LWR, VHTR, and SFR.
••Test the cross section API integrated into the PROTEUS neutronics code for various reactor types.
PAGE 77
Development of Project Number: 2011-004-K
Diagnostics and
Prognostics Methods for
PI (U.S.): Belle R. Upadhyaya and J.
Wesley Hines, University of Tennessee
Sustainability of Nuclear PI (ROK): Jung-Taek Kim, Korea Atomic

Power Plant Safety Critical Collaborators: Chungnam National

University, Kyung-Hee University, Pacific
Functions
Northwest National Laboratory

RD&D
Project Start Date: November 2011

1. Review operability of safety-critical functions and components in light water reactors
Research Objectives (LWRs).
2. Develop algorithms for plant monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics.
The objective of this I-NERI project is to develop
3. Develop low-energy, self-powered process sensors and networks, and determine optimal
and demonstrate advanced plant monitoring, placement strategies.
diagnostics, and prognostics methods during 4. Develop plant simulation models to generate normal operational and faulty condition
beyond design-basis accidents. Such events, data.
marked by loss of residual heat removal and 5. Demonstrate the integrated technology.
other safety-critical plant functions, coupled
station blackout and degradation of critical
monitoring instrumentation, are difficult to
mitigate without reliable information on
critical parameters. This project is developing
self-powered sensors that will provide plant
information during extreme conditions, along
with sensor networks incorporating these
devices into plant communications, data
transmission, and remote actuation systems. This
effort includes demonstrating a remote sensing
system consisting of a small number of self-
powered sensors and processors in the form of
a sensor network. Using dynamic simulation of a
typical nuclear plant’s operations, the U.S. and
Korean collaborators will generate data needed
to validate the proposed technical approach.
Figure 1 shows the project organization and
management diagram.
Figure 1. Project organization and management diagram.
Figure 1. Project organization and management diagram.
The integrated system consists of a monitoring, diagnostic & prognostics module, remote
sensing, sensor network, and self-powered sensing modules. The various modules are being
demonstrated in a remote sensing system, consisting of a small number of self-powered detectors
and processors in the form of a sensor network.
PAGE 78
2
The I-NERI project consists of the following tasks:

1. Review operability of safety-critical functions and components in light water reactors
(LWRs).
2. Develop algorithms for plant monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics.
3. Develop low-energy, self-powered process sensors and networks, and determine optimal
placement strategies.
4. Develop plant simulation models to generate normal operational and faulty condition
data.
5. Demonstrate the integrated technology.
The integrated system consists of a monitoring, diagnostic & prognostics module, remote sensing,
sensor network, and self-powered sensing modules. The various modules are being demonstrated
in a remote sensing system, consisting of a small number of self-powered detectors and processors
in the form of a sensor network.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Tennessee and KAERI was
signed in March 2014. This would facilitate future collaborative research between the two
organizations.
Research Progress
Task 1: Review of Operability of Safety Critical Functions and Components
Collaborators at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) reviewed safety critical functions
and components of typical LWRs in Korea, while the University of Tennessee (UT) conducted
a parallel review for U.S. nuclear reactors. The objective was to collect input parameters
related to critical safety functions. Both reviews considered the critical safety function and
indication parameters found in Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Regulatory Guide 1.97,
“Instrumentation for Light-Water Cooled Nuclear Power Plants to Assess Plant and Environs
Conditions During and Following an Accident.” These functions are keys to preventing core melt
and minimizing radiation releases to the public. In addition to evaluating a standard LWR, KAERI
conducted a similar review of the SMART modular reactor and outlined a plan for demonstrating
techniques and algorithms in the ATLAS thermal-hydraulic test facility. The following key sub-
tasks have been completed.
•• Review of Critical Safety Functions and Components, and Operational History in Wooljin Units
3 and 4 of Korea Standard Nuclear Power Plants (KSNP).
•• Review of the monitoring parameters in ShinGori Units 1 and 2 (KSNP).
•• The U.S. team developed suggestions for instrumentation and supporting technology
necessary to monitor beyond design basis accidents, applying the latest guidance in RG
1.97 that establishes a strategy for selecting system parameters to monitor during accident
conditions.
Figure 2 shows the location of monitoring points in the KSNP units as developed by the KAERI
investigators.
PAGE 79
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Task 2: Development of Plant Monitoring, Diagnostics, and Prognostics Algorithms
The following important subtasks were accomplished during Year 2 of the project
••One week Workshop at the University of Tennessee on MDP algorithms and toolboxes. Process
and Equipment Monitoring (PEM) and Process and Equipment Prognostics (PEP) Software
Toolboxes were transferred from UTK to KAERI.
••Development of data-based models and algorithms for characterizing the cause-effect
relationship among a set of features and for feature prediction. PWR simulation data from
KAERI were used in this sub-task.
••Development of inferential data-based models for estimation (Process & Equipment Monitoring/
PEM) and for signature trending and estimating remaining useful life (RUL) of equipment
(Process & Equipment Prognostics/PEP) were accomplished by KAERI.
Researchers at Kyung-Hee University (KHU) identified requirements, methodologies and resources
for the development of a safety index monitoring during severe accidents (SIMSA) system. Their
research has resulted in the development of a virtual parameter network toolbox. The following
are the key accomplishments:
••To provide an alternative (virtual, redundant) parameter, a correlation -based sensor network to
predict the missing safety parameter due to failure of sensor related to critical safety functions.
PAGE 80
network to predict the missing safety parameter due to failure of sensor related to critical
safety functions.
• To evaluate goodness-of-sensor installation and assess the safety critical parameters from
other statistically related parameters during a severe accident.
Figure 3 is an overview of the analysis toolbox being developed by KHU.

••To evaluate goodness-of-sensor installation and assess the safety critical parameters from
other statistically related parameters during a severe accident.
Figure 3 is an overviewFigure
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Toolbox (KHU)
Figure 3. Virtual Parameter Network Toolbox (KHU)
Other accomplishments by the University of Tennessee are contributions from the on-going DOE
NEUP project on in-situ monitoring of small modular reactors (SMRs) and lifecycle prognostics
Other accomplishments by the University of Tennessee are contributions from the on-going DOE
of nuclear
NEUP plant
project on systems.
in-situ monitoring of small modular reactors (SMRs) and lifecycle prognostics of
nuclear plant systems.
Remote Monitoring of SMRs: Following are the major objectives of this task.
Remote Monitoring of SMRs: Following are the major objectives of this task.
••Identify- critical
Identify critical
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The prognostics algorithms have 4been evaluated 6 7 using data from several test beds that provide 7
equipment degradation data.
Task 3: Development of low-energy self-powered process sensors, sensor networks, remote

monitoring, and optimal sensor placement strategy
KAERI is investigating low-energy sensors (solar, photo-voltaic, thermoelectric, and piezoelectric

or electromagnetic vibration devices) for harvesting ambient light, heat, vibration, and
electromagnetic energy from sensor surroundings and converting it into usable electrical energy
to power portable electrical devices without batteries.
UT researchers are investigating remote monitoring systems for critical equipment in small modular
reactors (SMRs). They upgraded an existing experimental flow control loop with instrumentation
PAGE 82
and electromagnetic energy from sensor surroundings and converting it into usable electrical
energy to power portable electrical devices without batteries.
Fiscal Year 2013 are
UT researchers Annual Report
investigating remote monitoring systems for critical equipment in small
modular reactors (SMRs). They upgraded an existing experimental flow control loop with
instrumentation designed to demonstrate the relationship between remotely-measurable electrical
designed
signaturestoand
demonstrate the relationship
process variables. between
Preliminary resultsremotely-measurable electrical
show a strong correlation signatures
between motor
and
power and pump flow rate (see Figure 7). This relationship, with proper calibration, can power
process variables. Preliminary results show a strong correlation between motor be used
and pump flow rate (see Figure 7). This relationship, with proper calibration, can be used for
for monitoring reactor flow rate remotely.
monitoring reactor flow rate remotely.
Inlet Flow vs. Power

0.6
0.5
0.4
Inlet Flow (L/s)
0.3 y = 0.020x - 5.534

R! = 0.981
0.2
0.1
0
9LM1 9NO1 9NM1 9PO1 9PM1 9QO1 9QM1 ROO1
-0.1
RMS power (W)
Figure 7. The RMS power drawn by the pump increases as the flow rate increases
Figure 7. The RMS power drawn by the pump increases as the flow rate increases
Researchers at Chungnam National University (CNY) are developing and demonstrating wireless
technologies for condition monitoring during a station blackout. Design issues identified include
Researchers at Chungnam National University (CNY) are developing and demonstrating wireless
line of sight, frequency, antenna type (e.g., directional vs. omnidirectional), interference,
technologies for condition monitoring
modulation/demodulation, topologies,during
and anetwork
station blackout.
size. TheDesign
team issues identified
narrowed include
findings to
line of sight, frequency, antenna type (e.g., directional vs. omnidirectional), interference,
the recommended network shown in Figure 6, consisting of three parts: the internal network,
external network, and remote
modulation/demodulation, sensing room.
topologies, Digital signals
and network acquired
size. The from wiredfindings
team narrowed sensors to
inside
the the
ch. containment
recommendedare combined
network shownin an internal6,network
in Figure unitof(INU)
consisting threeusing
parts:a the
multiplexer
internal to increase the
network,
efficiency. INUs placed on the outer wall of the containment (to avoid the harsh radio
external network, and remote sensing room. Digital signals acquired from wired sensors inside environment
ide and to minimize damage during accidents) wirelessly transmit diagnostic information to the
the containment are combined in an internal network unit (INU) using a multiplexer to increase
internal network manager (INM) located in a remote sensing room, which in turn sends data to
remote monitoring sites through an external network. A design framework has been developed
to optimize sensor allocation based on detection and isolation of faults.
7 8
KAERI and Chungnam National University (CNU) are performing the following research related
to sensor development:
••Fabricate a prototype low-energy self-powered instrumentation considering solar cells,

thermo-electric devices, vibration sources as energy harvesting techniques (KAERI).
••Develop a prototype low-energy self-powered self-mapping wireless sensor network (CNU).
These tasks are important for monitoring beyond design-basis accidents (BDA). Figure 8
shows the various technologies brought together for developing low-energy self-powered
PAGE 83
These tasks are important for monitoring beyond design-basis accidents (BDA). Figure 8 shows
e the various technologies brought together for developing low-energy self-powered
n instrumentation
Fiscal with wireless
Year 2013 Annual Report communication. These tasks require a large investment in human
l resources and involve the use of existing and new technologies under development.
l
instrumentation with wireless communication. These tasks require a large investment in human
ach. resources and involve the use of existing and new technologies under development.
Figure 7. Development of low-energy self-powered detectors and wireless communication.
ovide Figure 7. Development of low-energy self-powered detectors and wireless communication.
)
Planned Activities
6 7 9
Task 1 is complete. During FY 2013, the research team has completed the development and
testing of monitoring and prognostics software and the associated toolboxes. These are R&D
activities associated with Task 2. The planned activity under this task includes the application
of prognostics tools to new data being acquired from test beds at the University of Tennessee
and at KAERI. Some of these results are being compiled for publication in scientific journals and
conference proceedings. The continuing R&D at KAERI involves testing low-energy self-powered
instrumentation. This will help identify failure modes and aging mechanisms of these devices.
Task 3 planned activities include the following:
••Manufacture a prototype low-energy self-powered instrumentation system using solar cells,

thermo-electric devices, and vibration sources as energy harvesting methods (ROK).
••Develop prototype self-powered self-mapping wireless sensor networks (CNU).
••Field Performance testing (rated power, rated load efficiency, switch-over, etc.) under harsh
environments.
••Incorporating optimal sensor placement approach for low-energy self-powered instrumentation
and developing optimal sensor allocation (ROK & UTK)
••Demonstration of remote and inferential measurement methods with applications to integral
light water reactors (UTK).
A final project report will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Ministry of
Science, ICT and Future Planning, ROK, in November 2014.
PAGE 84
Fully Ceramic Project Number: 2011-005-K
Microencapsulated
Replacement Fuel for
PI (U.S.): Lance Snead, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory
Light Water Reactor PI (ROK): Won-Jae Lee, Korea Atomic

Sustainability Collaborators: Ultra Safe Nuclear

Corporation, Inc.

Research Objectives
Project Start Date: October 2011
This project is assessing the feasibility of replacing conventional
uranium oxide (UO2) fuel assemblies in the existing fleet of light Project End Date: September 2014
water reactors (LWRs) with accident-tolerant fully ceramic
microencapsulated (FCM) fuel assemblies. FCM fuel is a TRISO-
based dispersion fuel consisting of ceramic-coated microspheres
of low-enriched uranium embedded in dense, uniform silicon
carbide (SiC) matrix fuel pellets with similar geometry to
conventional UO2 pellets.
In order to replace conventional UO2 fuel, FCM fuels must

achieve comparable energy generation and heat transfer
levels, as well as acceptable neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, and
fuel performance characteristics. Acceptable designs must
meet the limiting design basis accident (DBA) envelope for the
plant and satisfy beyond design-basis accident (BDBA) criteria.
The team will also model and qualify FCM fuel properties under
irradiated conditions to ensure acceptable accident tolerance.
The project consists of four tasks:
1. Core neutronics exploration
2. Core thermal-hydraulics assessment
3. Safety assessment
4. Fuel qualification
TThe project has selected two reference pressurized water
reactor (PWR) cores for demonstration: the U.S. team will focus
on a Westinghouse 1000-MWe core with 17×17 fuel assemblies,
PAGE 85
nds
ow !
pes lends
sable. Research Progress
available.
!
ses of the In this second

International yearEnergy
Nuclear of theResearch
project,Initiative
five
FCM FA design candidates proposed
from
! the FA-level study in the 1st year
te
types
flow lends!
(Figure 1) were evaluated for their
d available.
mes Research Progress
compatibility in OPR-1000 transition
n Research
!
Progress
cores.
In this secondisyear
The core assumed of theinitially
project, fully-
five
has
les of the
loaded
FCM FA withdesign
the FCM FAs. The
candidates core
proposed
In this second year of the project, five FCM
neutronic theperformance in the transition
FAfrom FA-level study in the 1from
, st year
design candidates proposed the
cores from
(Figurestudy initial
1) in were to equilibrium
evaluated cycles
for 1)their
FA-level the
ated was explored for each candidate. An 1st year (Figure were
compatibility
evaluated for theirincompatibility
OPR-1000 intransition
OPR-1000
erent optimum cores. The FCM coreFA design was then
transition cores. It isis assumed initially
that the fully-
core
screened
is initially based
loadedfully-loaded
with the on FCM a
withcombination
FAs.FCM
the TheFAs. of The
core
, the
core core
neutronic neutronic,
neutronic TH, mechanical
performance
performance in in
the and
thetransition
transition
scal safety
cores performance.
from initial to Detailed
equilibrium
cores from initial to equilibrium cycles cyclescore was
explored
follow for each
analysis for
was explored fromcandidate.
each An
thecandidate. optimum
initial toAn
ifferent
of FCM FA design
the equilibrium
optimum FCMwas
cores was FAthen
carried screened
design outwas for the based
then !
on
action selected
ed a combination
design to of
quantifythe core
core neutronic,
physics
screened based on a combination of Figure 1. FCM replacement fuel design.
TH, mechanical and safety performance.
ritical parameters
Detailed core
such as
the core neutronic,
follow
power distributions
TH, mechanical
analysis from
and
the core
initialphysics parameters, the core TH, safety and
ancial and reactivity
safety coefficients. Using
performance. Detailed these core
ws to equilibrium cores was carried out for the
ns. coated
followparticle
analysis fuel fromperformance
the core were assessed
initial to to demonstrate the compatibility and
selected design to quantify physics
enhanced accident
equilibriumsuch cores tolerance of the FCM FA. In parallel, design models and methods
n of theparameters
an aswas powercarried out for the
distributions and ! Figure 1. FCM replacement fuel design.
were developed
selected coefficients.
ffractionreactivity for
design to quantifymixed transition
Usingcore these cores
physics
corewhere the FCM and UO2 FAs coexist.
!
Figure 1. FCM replacement fuel design.
parameters
physics such as power distributions
e criticalBasic fuelparameters,
fabrication the workcore TH, safety
involving uranium and coated particle
mononitride fuel performance
(UN) kernels was performed were at
and
assessed reactivity
to coefficients.
demonstrate the Using these
compatibility core physics
and parameters,
enhanced
chancialOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to produce kernels of density as high as possible. the
accident core TH,
tolerance safety
of and
the
ions. The FCM FA.
coated In parallel,
particle fueldesign models
performance and
were methods
assessed were
manufacture of silicon carbide (SiC) compacted pellets was continued using nano- to developed
demonstrate for
the mixed transition
compatibility and
cores where the
enhanced FCM and UO2 FAsofcoexist.
powders and accident tolerance
sintering agents. the FCM
The initial FA. In of
irradiation parallel,
compactsdesign models
with and methods
and without fuel
were
particles developed
was performedfor mixed at transition
the High cores
Flux where
Isotope the FCM
Reactor and
(HFIR) UO 2 FAs coexist.
to test swelling and
Basic
! fuel fabrication work involving uranium mononitride (UN) kernels was performed at
property
Oak BasicRidge changes
fuel National during
fabrication Laboratory
workirradiation.
(ORNL)
involving Some postmononitride
to produce
uranium irradiation
kernels of examination
density
(UN) wasas
as high
kernels was performed
possible. at
performed
on
The samples
Oakmanufacture
Ridge irradiated
National in
of silicon the
Laboratory previous
carbide year.
(SiC) compacted
(ORNL) to produce pellets was
kernels of continued
density as using
high as nano-
possible.
ent or ! powders
The and sintering
manufacture of agents.
silicon The initial
carbide (SiC) irradiation
compacted of compacts
pellets was with and without
continued using fuel
nano-
The following sections summarize results in each task area.
ics or ! particles was performed at the High Flux Isotope Reactor
powders and sintering agents. The initial irradiation of compacts with and without fuel (HFIR) to test swelling and
property
particles changes during irradiation.
was performed at the High Some! Flux post irradiation
Isotope Reactorexamination
(HFIR) to was
test performed
swelling and
g this Task 1: Neutronic
on samples Exploration
irradiated in the previous !
property changes during irradiation. Some post irradiation examination was performed
are Using
year. the DeCART2D and MASTER !
on
neutronicssamples irradiated
codes, the project teamin the previous year.
!
!
The
pment orperformed following sections
explorative summarize results
studies !
. The following sections summarize results ! in each task area.
ostics in! each taskfor
syCubicorsearching area. an optimum core !
ing
oc., thisloading
Task 1: pattern.
Neutronic Five feasible OPR-
Exploration ! !
e
ns. 1000 cores loaded
Task 1: Neutronic Exploration with candidate ! !
ds are FCM Using the DeCART2D and MASTER ! !
Using FAs thewere investigated through
DeCART2D
ects neutronics codes, the and project MASTER
team ! !
aneutronics
multi-cyclecodes, analysis from the initial
performed the
explorative project studies ! !
team
ech.,
ch.
approach.
ons.
7 to equilibrium explorative
performed cores. Candidate studies !
of searching for an optimum core
essCubiccladding !
ally materials included SiC,
searching
loading for an optimum
pattern. core loading
Five feasible OPR- ! !
deSoc., stainless steel (SS), and SiC-coated cores Figure 2. (a) Summary of OPR-1000 candidate FCM fuel assembly designs, and
!Figure 2. (a) Summary of OPR-1000 candidate FCM fuel assembly designs,
micro
ide
ons.
t provide
st pattern.
1000 cores Five feasible
loaded OPR-1000with candidate
2014) zirconium-alloy.
loaded with The fiveFCM
candidate FA FAs design were (b)! assumed OPR-1000 loading
and (b) pattern.
assumed OPR-1000 loading pattern.
or a FCM FAs were investigated through
Effects candidates
investigated were
through16!16 arrays
a multi-cycle clad analysis !from the initial to equilibrium cores. Candidate
d a multi-cycle analysis from the initial
with
claddingSS (16!16SS), SiC (16!16-SiC), or SiC-coated
! zirconium-alloy (16!16-ZC) and 12!12
9
Mech.,
8.s approach. to7 equilibrium cores. Candidate steel (SS), and SiC-coated zirconium-alloy. The
76 arrays materials included SiC, stainless
ditions.
five clad with
FA designmaterials SS (12!12-SS)
candidates or
were 16×16 SiC (12!12-SiC). cladCalculations assumed a 2-batch fuel
cladding
management scheme with included
an 18-month SiC, arrays!
cycle
with SS (16×16SS), SiC (16×16-SiC),
length and used typical design criteria to
or
SiC-coated
stainless zirconium-alloy
steel (SS), (16×16-ZC)
and SiC-coated and 12×12 arrays
Figure patterns.
2. (a) Summaryclad with SS
of OPR-1000(12×12-SS)
candidate or SiC
of microsearch
ehat provide
most transition and equilibrium core loading Figure 2 summarizes theFCM FAfuel assembly designs, and
(12×12 SiC). Calculations
zirconium-alloy. The assumed
five FA a 2 batch
design (b) fuel management
assumed OPR-1000 scheme
loading with an 18-month
pattern.
or or a candidates
4 (2014)
cycle length and
candidates
and depicts the OPR-1000 low-leakage loading pattern used.
wereused 16!16 typical
arraysdesignclad criteria to search transition and equilibrium core
loading patterns. Figure 2
with SS (16!16SS), SiC (16!16-SiC), or summarizes theSiC-coated
FA candidates and depicts(16!16-ZC)
zirconium-alloy the OPR-1000 andlow-12!12
9
8 leakage
6 arrays 7 loading
clad with pattern used. or SiC (12!12-SiC). Calculations assumed a 2-batch fuel
SS (12!12-SS)
management scheme with an 18-month cycle length and used typical design criteria to
search transition and equilibrium core loading patterns. Figure 2 summarizes the FA
candidates and depicts the OPR-1000 low-leakage loading pattern used.
PAGE 86
ds
able. International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative
e.
e. Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report
e
!
! For each core design, core physics
! !
wtypes
flow
e lends
es ! lends
parameters !
wes
mes !
lends For each coreincluding
available. design, corereactivity,
physics !
For
navailable. eachboron
critical core design, core physics
concentrations, power !!
!
For
available. each core design,
parameters core reactivity,
including physics !! !
parameters
distributions, including
reactivity reactivity,
coefficients,
has
les of theparameters
critical boronincluding reactivity,
concentrations, power !! !
of the critical
shutdown
critical
boronmargin,
concentrations,
boron concentrations,
distributions, reactivity fastpower
and coefficients,
neutron !
power !
!
,of the distributions,
fluence werereactivity coefficients,
quantified ! for thermal- !
distributions,
shutdown margin, reactivity andcoefficients,
fast neutron !! !
shutdown
hydraulic,margin, safety and andfuel fast neutron
performance
ated shutdown fluence margin, were quantified and fastforneutron thermal- !!
!
assessment.
fluence were FCM quantifiedfuel with SiC-coated !
for thermal- !
fluence
hydraulic, were quantified safety forand thermal- fuel !
zirconium-alloy
hydraulic, safety cladding andin a fuel 16×16 !!
!
hydraulic,
performance safetyassessment. and FCMfuel fuel !
!
FA configuration
performance assessment.was selected FCM fuel as a !
with
performance SiC-coated
assessment. zirconium-alloy
FCM fuel! !
, reference
with design
SiC-coated based on
zirconium-alloy neutronic !!
with cladding in
SiC-coated a 16!16 FA configuration
zirconium-alloy !
performance.
cladding in a 16!16 Figure 3 shows power !!
FAreference
configuration ! Figure 3. Power peaking factors for OPR-1000 FCM replacement fuels in
cal peaking factors calculated design
was
cladding selected
in a 16!16 as aFA configuration duringFigure 3. Power peaking factors for for
OPR-1000 FCM replacement fuels in in (a)
was basedselected on as as a
neutronic reference design
performance. Figure
(a)
Figure Cycle 3. 1Power
3. Power and peaking
(b)
peakingCycle factors
5 (equilibrium
factors OPR-1000
for OPR-1000cycle).FCM FCM replacement
replacement fuels
fuels in
fferentwas these
based
selected
analyses.
on neutronic
a reference
performance.
design (a)Cycle
Cycle11and and(b)(b)Cycle
Cycle55(equilibrium
(equilibriumcycle).
cycle).
Figure 3 shows power peaking (a) Cycle 1 and (b) Cycle 5 (equilibrium cycle).
rent based
rent
ed Figure
Displacement
on neutronic performance.
3 shows perpower atom peaking
(DPA) cross
factors
Figure 3 showscalculated power during peaking these
factors
sections
analyses. calculated
using 47 and during
190 energy these
groups
factors calculated during these
ws were developed based on molecular
analyses.
analyses.
Displacement per atom (DPA) cross
dynamics simulations by SRIM/TRIM
Displacement
sections using per 47 atom and (DPA) cross
190 energy
n of the Displacement
and implemented per atom in (DPA)
DeCART2D cross to
anff the sections
groupsusing
estimate were 47
irradiation and
developed 190 based
damage energy
of FCM on
ffraction sections
the groups using 47 and 190 energy
molecular were developed
dynamics based
simulations on
ction fuel materials.
groups
critical
ction were developed DPA calculations based for onby SiC
molecular
andSRIM/TRIM
pyrocarbondynamicsand (PyC) simulations
implemented
coating by in
layers
itical
chancial
itical molecular dynamics simulations by
SRIM/TRIM
DeCART2D
were provided and to implemented
estimate irradiation in
ons. and for fuel performance
s. ncial SRIM/TRIM
ncial
DeCART2D
damage
analysis. DPA to FCM
of cross
implemented
estimate
fuel
sections irradiation
materials.
in
DPA
and results
s. DeCART2D to estimate irradiation
are shown
calculations
damage of in FCM Figure
forfuelSiC4.materials.
and pyrocarbon DPA
damage of FCM fuel materials. DPA
(PyC) coating
calculations for SiC layersand were provided
pyrocarbon
calculations for SiC and pyrocarbon
(PyC)for 2:
Task fuel
coating
Core performance
layers were
Thermal Hydraulic providedDPA Figure 4. DPA results for Power peaking factors for OPR-1000 FCM replacement
analysis.
(PyC) coating layers were provided fuels 4.
in DPA
(a) Cycle 1 and (b) Cycle 5 (equilibrium cycle).
for cross
Assessment sections
fuel performance analysis.and results are shown
DPA Figure results for Power peaking factors for OPR-1000 FCM replacement
for fuel performance analysis. DPA Figure
Figure 4. DPA
4. DPA results
results for for
PowerPower peaking
peaking factors
factors for for OPR-1000
OPR-1000 FCMFCM replacement
replacement
in Figure 4.
cross sections and results are shown fuels in
fuels (a) Cycle
in (a) Cycle1 and
1 and(b) Cycle 5 (equilibrium cycle).
cross sections and results are shown fuels in (a) Cycle 1 and (b)(b) Cycle
Cycle 5 (equilibrium
5 (equilibrium cycle).
cycle).
In order to model the cross flow in
in Figure 4.
inheterogeneous
Figure
Task 2:4.Core Thermal gapsHydraulic between FCM
Assessment
and OPR-1000 FAs in a mixed transition
Task In 2:order
Core to modelHydraulic
Thermal the crossAssessment flow in
core,
Task 2: Corea lateralThermal lossHydraulic
coefficient model
Assessment
Inwasheterogeneous
orderdeveloped
to model the gaps between
cross flow FCM
inof a
ment or In order
and OPR-1000 to model the with
FAs cross the
in aflow aidmixedin
heterogeneous
computational
orheterogeneous gaps
fluida between
dynamics FCM (CFD)
stics
nt or transition core, gaps between lateralFCM loss
nt or and model
and
OPR-1000
and
OPR-1000model
FAs in ain the
implemented
FAs was in adeveloped
mixed
mixed MATRA
cs coefficient
ing thistransition
cs or core
or transition
with the
core, a code.
TH/subchannel
core,
aid of a a
lateral
lateral
computational Core loss pressure
loss
fluid
dsthis are coefficient
drop (∆P) model
and was developed
departure from nuclear
this coefficient
with
dynamics model
the aid
(CFD) was model developed and
re boiling
with implemented
the ratioof
aid of
a computational
(DNBR)
a in the performance
computational MATRA
fluid
core
fluid were
re dynamics
evaluated (CFD)
for a mixed model transitionand
ch. TH/subchannel
dynamics (CFD)code. Core pressure
model and core
ofessllyCubicimplemented
anddrop used ("P) to
implemented in the MATRA core
inand the departure
confirm MATRA
TH core
compatibility.
from
TH/subchannel code. Core pressure
de
Cubic
Soc.,
de
ons. TH/subchannel code. Core pressure 5.
Sample
nuclear findings boiling are provided
ratio in Figure
(DNBR)
Cubic drop drop
("P) andwere
performance
("P) and departure
departure
evaluatedfrom for a
from
c.,
s. A
nuclear two-step boilingcore TH ratioand subchannel
(DNBR) (a) (b)
c.,
s.d ffects mixed transition
nuclear boiling core ratioand (DNBR) used to
analysis method
performance were was developed
evaluated for fora coreFigure 5. Mixed transition core compatibility analysis of (a) axial DNBR distribution
Mech., confirm TH were
performance evaluated Sample
compatibility. for a and (b)Figure
standard 5. Mixed transition
and FCM DNBRcore
andcompatibility
"P results and analysis
limits. of (a) axial DNBR
sctsapproach.
itions. thermal
7 mixed margincore
transition analysis.and This method
used to
cts mixed findings are provided
transition in Figure 5. to Figure 5. Mixed transition core compatibility analysis of (a)∆P
distribution and (b) standard and FCM DNBR and results
axial anddistribution
DNBR limits.
ch., consists
confirm TH 1) core
of compatibility.
a core-wiseand used assembly
Sample Figure 5. Mixed transition core compatibility analysis of (a) axial DNBR distribution
pproach. confirm TH compatibility. Sample subchannel and (b) standard and FCM DNBR and "P results and limits.
of ns.
ch.,
7
7micro
hat
epproach. A two-step
analysis
provide step core
and TH 2)inand
aFigure subchannel
hot-assembly analysis method
and (b) standard analysiswasstep.
and developed
FCM DNBR and
The thermalfor"Pcore thermal
results
margin andinlimits.
the transition cores fully
most ns. findings are provided 5.
4r (2014) findings
marginwith
loaded are provided
analysis.
the 16×16 in Figure
This method FCM 5.
FAsconsists
with of 1) a core-wise
SiC-coated assembly cladding
zirconium-alloy analysis step was and
then 2)assessed
a by employing the
micro or a A two-step core TH and subchannel analysis method was developed for core thermal
microprovide
provide hot-assembly
quantified core subchannel
physics analysis
parameters. step.
Figure
A two-step core TH and subchannel analysis method was developed for core thermal The
6 thermal
shows the margin
two-step in the
core transition
TH method, cores fully
quarter-core power distributions
2014) 9 margin
used
loaded foranalysis.
thermal
with This
the method
margin
16!16 FCM consists
analysis, FAs and of
with 1)
minimuma core-wise
SiC-coated DNBRs assembly
(MDNBRs)
zirconium-alloy analysis
calculated
claddingstep and
for
was 2)
transition
then a cores fully loaded with
2014)
rr aa8 margin
6 7analysis. This method consists of 1) a core-wise assembly analysis step and 2) a
hot-assembly
FCM FAs.
assessed by subchannel
employing analysis
the quantifiedstep. core The thermal
physics margin in the
parameters. transition
Figure 6 shows cores
the fully
two-
hot-assembly subchannel analysis step. The thermal margin in the transition cores fully
99 loaded with TH the 16!16 quarter-core
FCM FAs with SiC-coated zirconium-alloy cladding was then
66 step
loaded 77 core with the method,
16!16 FCM FAs with power distributions
SiC-coated used for thermal
zirconium-alloy claddingmargin wasanalysis,
then
assessed
and by employing
minimum DNBRs the quantified
(MDNBRs) calculatedcore physics
for parameters.
transition cores Figure
fully loaded 6 shows
with the two-
FCM FAs.
assessed by employing the quantified core physics parameters. Figure 6 shows the two-
step core TH method, quarter-core power distributions used for thermal margin analysis,
step core TH method, quarter-core power distributions used for thermal margin analysis,
and minimum DNBRs (MDNBRs) calculated for transition PAGEcores87 fully loaded with FCM FAs.
and minimum DNBRs (MDNBRs) calculated for transition cores fully loaded with FCM FAs.
ds
ds International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative
ble.
able. Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report
eflow
ypes
elow
ypes lends
lends
es
mes available.
nn available.
as
as
es
es of
of the
the
ed
ted
Figure 6. Figure
Core TH6.assessment
Core TH assessment
(a) two-step (a) two-step
method used method used
for margin for margin
analysis, analysis, power
(b) quarter-core (b) quarter-core
distributions power
used for TH
Figure 6. Core TH assessment (a) two-step method used for margin analysis, (b) quarter-core power distributions used for TH
al distributions used forcalculated
TH calculations, and cores
(c) MDNBRs calculated for FCM
transition
FAs. cores fully loaded with
al calculations,
calculations, and
and (c)
(c) MDNBRs
MDNBRs calculated for
for transition
transition cores fully
fully loaded
loaded with
with16!16
16!16 FCM FAs.
ferent !
fferent 16×16 FCM FAs
!
dd Task
Task 3:
3: Safety
Safety Assessment
Assessment !!
A
A thermal
Task 3: Safetyconductivity
thermal Assessment model
conductivity model for
for
ws
ws nano-infiltration
nano-infiltration and
and transient
transient
A thermal
eutectic-phase
eutectic-phase conductivity
(NITE)
(NITE) SiC pelletsmodel
SiC pellets was
was
of
of the
the incorporated
incorporated into the MARS code to
for into
nano-infiltration the MARS
and code
transient
to
nn account
account for for the effect of
of irradiation
fraction eutectic-phase
fraction the(NITE)
effectSiC pellets was
irradiation
temperature measured by ORNL.
critical incorporated
critical temperature into the MARS
measured by code ORNL.to
Preliminary
Preliminary
account forscoping
scoping
the analyses
analyses
effect of carried
carried
irradiation
hancial
chancial
ons.
ons. out
out forfor various
temperature various cladding
cladding by
measured material
material
ORNL.
candidates showed
candidates scoping
Preliminary showed 16!16-ZCanalyses to
16!16-ZC to be
be
carried
the
the for
out most
most variouspromising
promising
cladding candidate.
candidate.
material (a) (a) (b)
(b)
Analyses
Analyses of
candidates limiting
limiting DBAs
ofshowed DBAs
16×16-ZCand
and to BDBAs
BDBAs
be the Figure
Figure7.
Figure 7.7. (a)
(a) Results
Results from
from initial
initial stored
stored
Results from initial stored energy
energy
energy analyses
analyses
analyses and
and (b) (b)
and (b) enhanced
enhanced
enhanced
analyzed
analyzed
most promising using
using core
core
candidate. physics
physics accident
Analyses accident
accident tolerance
tolerance
tolerance for for 16×16-ZC
for 16!16-ZC
16!16-ZC FCMFCM
FCM FAs FAs
FAs for
for for limiting
limiting
limiting DBAs DBAs
DBAs and
and and!!BDBAs.
BDBAs.
BDBAs.
parameters
ofparameters
limiting DBAs from
fromand fully
fully FCM
FCM
BDBAs transition
transition
analyzed !! Task 4: Fuel Qualification
cores found
cores core
using safety
safety margin
foundphysics margin
parametersof
of the FCM
FCM core
the from core for
for DBAs
DBAs and
and greatly
greatly enhanced
enhanced accident
accident
tolerance for
for FCM cores during BDBAs, permitting
tolerance
fully FCM transition FCMcores coresfoundduring BDBAs,
safety margin of the more
permitting morecore
FCM time for
timefor operator
forDBAs
operator actions.
actions.enhanced
and greatly
Figure 7 shows
Figure 7 shows results from
results for
from these
these safety
safety assessment
assessment analyses.
analyses.
accident tolerance FCM cores during BDBAs, permitting more time for operator actions.
Figure 7 shows results from these safety assessment analyses.
Task
Task 4:
4: Fuel
Fuel Qualification
Qualification
ment
ment or or UN
UN kernels were
kernels were fabricated
fabricated and
and characterized
characterized at at approximately
approximately 90%
90% ofof theoretical
theoretical
stics or
stics or density
Task with
4: Fuel
density kernel
kernel diameters around 830 #m. Uranium oxide-carbon microspheres were
diameters
withQualification around 830 #m. Uranium oxide-carbon microspheres were
produced
produced usingusing an an internal
internal gelation
gelation process.
process. They
They then
then underwent
underwent carbothermic
carbothermic
ng
ng this
this UN kernels were fabricated and characterized atconversion
approximately 90% of oxide-carbon
theoretical density with
conversion
conversion to
to become
become UN
UN kernels,
kernels, with
with vacuum
vacuum conversion of
of uranium
uranium oxide-carbon
ss are
are kernel
producingdiameters
producing an around
an intermediate 830 µm. Uranium
intermediate composition
composition that oxide-carbon
that was microspheres
was converted
converted to
to UN through produced
were
UN through single- using an
aa single-
internal
stage gelation process.
stage conversion/sintering They
conversion/sintering processthen underwent
process using carbothermic
using aa nitrogen conversion
nitrogen environment
environment or to
or mixedbecomegasesUN kernels,
mixed gases
h.
h. with vacuum
containing conversion
containing nitrogen.
nitrogen. of uranium oxide-carbon producing an intermediate composition
ss
fssCubic
flly
ly Cubic that was converted to UN through a single-stage conversion/sintering process using a nitrogen
e
Soc., Irradiation
Irradiation experiments
environment experiments using aa “rabbit
“rabbit capsule”
usingcontaining
or mixed gases nitrogen.in
capsule” in HFIR
HFIR at
at ORNL
ORNL for
for FCM
FCM fuel
fuel pellets
pellets
e
Soc.,
de
ons.
de
ons. containing
containing TRISO
TRISO particles
particles with
with surrogate ZrO22 kernels
surrogate ZrO kernels investigated
investigated irradiation
irradiation stability
stability of
of
Irradiation
the
the SiC experiments using matrix
SiC nano-powder-based
nano-powder-based a “rabbit
matrix andcapsule”
and TRISO in HFIRcoating
TRISO particle
particle at ORNL
coating for FCM
layers
layers at fuel pellets containing
at LWR-relevant
LWR-relevant
fects
dffects TRISO particles
conditions of with surrogate
temperature ZrO2
and kernels
fluence. investigated
Monolithic irradiation
(particle-free)
conditions of temperature and fluence. Monolithic (particle-free) SiC nano-powder- stability
SiC of the SiC nano-powder-
nano-powder-
Mech.,
sMech., based matrix and TRISO particle coating layers at LWR-relevant conditions of
7 based matrix pellets were also irradiated to examine irradiation stability of the SiC
approach.
tions.7 based
approach.
itions. matrix pellets were also irradiated to examine irradiation stability of the SiCtemperature
matrix
matrix and
fluence.
without Monolithic
fuel particle (particle-free)
perturbations. SiC nano-powder-based
Results showed that matrix
surrogate
without fuel particle perturbations. Results showed that surrogate fuel compacts and pellets
fuel were
compacts also
andirradiated to
fost
hatf
hat micro
micro examine
ceramics
provide irradiation
derived stability
from the of
SiCthe SiC matrix
nano-powder without
hot fuel
pressed
ceramics derived from the SiC nano-powder hot pressed with yttria and alumina particle
with perturbations.
yttria and Results
alumina showed
ost provide
(2014)
(2014)
or a that surrogate
sintering
sintering aids fuel compacts
aids exhibit
exhibit an and ceramics
an as-irradiated
as-irradiated swelling derived from
swelling somewhat
somewhat thethan
greater
greater SiC that
than nano-powder
that ofof CVD
CVD SiC. hot pressed
SiC.
r or a
with yttria
Thermal and
Thermal conductivity alumina sintering
conductivity degradation aids
degradation was exhibit an
was consistent as-irradiated
consistent with with known swelling
known CVD somewhat
CVD SiC SiC values greater
values than
99 that of CVD SiC. Thermal conductivity degradation was consistent with known CVD SiC values
88 66 considering
considering
77 the
the added
added irradiation-induced
irradiation-induced swelling.
swelling. Irradiation
Irradiation near
near 300°C
300°C had had nono
considering
apparent
apparent adversethe added
adverse effect irradiation-induced
effect on
on the
the particle
particle coating swelling.
coating layers Irradiation
layers and
and near 300°C
post-irradiation
post-irradiation had no apparent
examination
examination
adverse
did
did not effect
not find
find anyon
any thecracking
gross
gross particle or
cracking coating layersbetween
or debonding
debonding and post-irradiation
between layers. examination
layers. Furthermore,
Furthermore, no did not find any
no reaction
reaction
was
was observed
observed between
between the
the SiC
SiC nano-powder
nano-powder matrix
matrix and
and Zircaloy-4
Zircaloy-4 cladding
cladding material.
material.
!!
PAGE 88
gross cracking or debonding between layers. Furthermore, no reaction was observed between
the SiC nano-powder matrix and Zircaloy-4 cladding material.
!
COPA/HSC A COPA/HSC analysiswas
analysis system system!
blished was
and established
used to evaluateand used!
to evaluate FCM coated!
coated particle fuel
particle fuel performance.!
ormance. A PyC irradiation- !
A PyC irradiation-induced!
ced dimensional change
dimensional change (IIDC)!(IIDC)
del and model
failure and
models for PyC
failure models!
SiC layers
for PyCwere
and SiC developed
layers were!
ed on CEGA models.
developed on CEGA!
Preliminary
based
!
performance
models. analyses
Preliminaryfound fuel!
performance
n gas pressure analyses
(including noble found
Figure 7.Fission
(a) Fission
gas gas pressure in TRISO at 850°C
and and (b) stress at TRISO
e gasesfission
and gas pressure
vapor species)(including
at Figure 7. (a)
layers at 850°C.
pressure in TRISO at 850°C (b) stress at TRISO layers at
noble gases and
operating conditions are small vapor 850°C.
ugh not species) at LWR
to influence theoperating
SiC layer conditions
mechanical arestresses.
small enough
Stressesnot
ontothe
influence
PyC andtheSiC
SiC layer mechanical
rs are mainly challenged by PyC IIDC, which is not well quantified at fluences over 4 which is not well
stresses. Stresses on the PyC and SiC layers are mainly challenged by PyC IIDC,
quantified at fluences over 4 dpa. Refinement of the IIDC model based on new irradiation data
. Refinement of the IIDC model based on new irradiation data is needed.
is needed.
hanical integrity of the FCM FAs by maximum cross flow of 0.6 m/s in a mixed
Mechanical
sition core integrity
was assessed. of the
It was FCM FAs by that
demonstrated maximum crossmargin
sufficient flow ofis 0.6 m/s in a mixed transition
available
core was assessed. It was demonstrated that sufficient
nst flow-induced vibration both for 12!12 and 16!16 FA configurations.
margin is available against flow-induced
vibration both for 12×12 and 16×16 FA configurations.
nned Activities
Planned Activities
he third project year, the research team will perform core neutronics, thermal-
In the third project year, the research team will perform core neutronics, thermal- hydraulics,
aulics, safety, and fuel performance analyses for F C M F A s w i t h F e C r A l
safety, and fuel performance analyses for FCM FAs with FeCrAl cladding and for mixed
dding and for mixed transition and equilibrium cores. FCM fuel
transition and equilibrium cores. FCM fuel manufacture and irradiation will continue as planned.
nufactu r e a n d i r rwill
Researchers a dconduct
i a t i o n wthe
i l l following
continue a s p l aspecific
activities n n e d . toR each
e s e a rtask:
c h e r s will
duct the following activities specific to each task:
Task 1 (Neutronics Exploration)
1 (Neutronics
••SearchExploration)
and optimize mixed transition core loading patterns to achieve core neutronics
earch and performancemixed
optimize comparabletransitionwithcore loading fuel.
conventional patterns
FeCrAl to cladding
achievewill core
be considered along
utronics performance comparable with conventional
with other cladding options in these analyses. fuel. FeCrAl cladding will
e considered along with other cladding options in these analyses.
••Generate core physics parameters for both mixed transition and equilibrium cores and supply
enerate core physics parameters for both mixed transition and equilibrium cores
them for core TH, safety, and fuel performance analysis
d supply them for core TH, safety, and fuel performance analysis
Task 2 (Core T/H Assessment)
2 (Core•T/H
•Analyze core and subchannel TH compatibility of the FCM FAs in mixed transition and equilibrium
Assessment)
cores. Assess
nalyze core and subchannelcore thermal margin using
TH compatibility parameters
of the FCM FAs infrom neutronics
mixed results.
transition and
quilibriumTask
cores. Assess core thermal
3 (Safety Assessment) margin using parameters from neutronics results.
••Develop
3 (Safety Assessment)methodology for safety analysis of mixed transition cores
••Perform scoping
evelop methodology analysis
for safety of DBA
analysis and BDBA
of mixed scenarios
transition coresfor mixed transition cores
••Perform
rform scoping analysis of DBA
feasibility and BDBA
analysis scenarios for mixed
of accident-tolerant transition
cladding cores
materials
rform feasibility analysis of accident-tolerant cladding materials
••Develop accident tolerance analysis of FCM SiC pellet for severe accidents
evelop accident tolerance analysis of FCM SiC pellet for severe accidents
4 (Fuel Qualification)
ontinue development of FCM fuel fabrication.
epare FCM fuel samples for future irradiation experiments, possibly in the Advanced
st Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
7
prove fuel performance analysis models and validate using irradiation test results
PAGE 89
hen possible.
sess fuel performance in the mixed transition and equilibrium cores will be assessed.
Task 4 (Fuel Qualification)

••Continue development of FCM fuel fabrication.
••Prepare FCM fuel samples for future irradiation experiments, possibly in the Advanced Test
Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
••Improve fuel performance analysis models and validate using irradiation test results when
possible.
••Assess fuel performance in the mixed transition and equilibrium cores will be assessed.
PAGE 90
Generation of Physics Project Number: 2013-001-K

Validation Database
and Analysis of Fast PI (U.S.): Changho Lee & Richard R. Lell,
Reactor Depletion and

Argonne National Laboratory
PI (ROK): Sang Ji Kim, Korea Atomic

Core Characteristics Energy Research Institute
Calculations Using MC2-3/ Collaborators: N/A

DIF3D/REBUS-3 RD&D

Research Objectives
The objective of this project is to archive and evaluate the
integral experiment data, analyze the experiments, and prepare
computational models for validating a suite of fast reactor
design and analysis tools being used at ANL and KAERI. During
the project, the ANL team will retrieve and analyze core follow
data of metallic-fueled driver assemblies and blanket assemblies
inserted into EBR-II. A series of mockup experiments conducted
for a 330 MWe Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) under the ZPPR-15
program, known as the IFR Benchmark Physics Test Program, will
also be retrieved and analyzed. The KAERI team will compile and
analyze the new BFS-109-2A experiments carried out as mockup
experiments of the 100 MWe metallic-fueled core at the Russian
BFS-1 facility. In addition, the as-built models of the Monte Carlo
(MCNP) and deterministic (MC2-3/DIF3D/REBUS-3) codes for
ZPPR-15 and EBR-II experiments of ANL and BFS experiments of
KAERI will be generated based on the ENDF/B-VII data.
Planned Activities
The project was started from December 2013 at KAERI and late
March 2014 at ANL. In the first year, the project team will focus on
the following four tasks.
Tasks 1 and 2: MCNP Monte Carlo models for the selected ZPPR-
15 experiments will be generated based on as-built experiment
data. Corresponding deterministic models will be created using
the MC2-3/DIF3D codes and will be compared with MCNP results.
Task 3: As-built MCNP Monte Carlo models for the BFS-109-2A
physics experiments performed by KAERI in 2012 will be generated
and analyzed.
Task 5: Deterministic models using MC2-3/DIF3D/REBUS for the
BFS-109-2A, BFS-73-1, BFS-75-1, and BFS-76-1A physics experiments
available will be generated and compared with MCNP results.
PAGE 91
Development of Oxidation Project Number: 2013-002-K
Protective Coating
Technology on Graphite
PI (U.S.): W.E. Windes, Idaho National
Laboratory
for VHTR Core Support PI (ROK): Jae-Won Park, Korea Atomic

Structure Program Area: Reactor Concepts RD&D
Project Start Date: October 2013

Research Objectives
This project is assessing the feasibility of applying novel deposition
designs to develop oxidation reducing SiC coatings on
nuclear graphite structural components. The graphite support
components used in the High Temperature Reactor (HTR) or
design can undergo significant oxidation during off-normal
(accident) events which can compromise the core structure
integrity. Development of oxidation protective coatings on the
outside of the graphite support structure will prevent excessive
oxidation of these critical components. This research will focus on
developing an adhesion enhanced dense SiC coating process
with the aid of an ion beam process.
During an air ingress event such as D-LOFC (Depressurized-Loss

of Forced Convection), oxygen can and will attack the graphite
support components at temperatures < 400 °C. During a long
reactor shutdown, the graphite components will be at high
temperatures allowing the potential for significant oxidation
of the support components with a corresponding loss of
mechanical strength. Significant oxidation of the graphite and
subsequent loss of mechanical strength could lead to the loss of
core integrity, a severe accident event. Reducing the oxidation
rate of these critical graphite components is highly desirable.
Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a candidate material for high temperature

oxidative protection for graphite support components and an
accepted nuclear core material. SiC does not oxidize at the
highest temperatures expected during a HTR accident event
(1400°C - 1600°C). Consequently, a protective SiC coating on
Figure01.
Figure Schematic
. Schematic of a
of a VHTR
the graphite components could assist in preventing oxidation. VHTR design illustration
design illustrating the core the
Normally, irradiation-induced dimensional changes in the core suport
support region. region.
graphite (shrinkage followed by swelling) would provide internal
stresses capable of delaminating the coating from the graphite
eliminating this coating as an option. However, for the lower
plenum area where the support column structures are located,
the dose level is minimal, eliminating most internal irradiation
induced stresses. The prime concern becomes the adhesion of
PAGE 92
the SiC coating at the expected elevated temperatures during an accident event which is
dependent on the interfacial properties.
The interface property of SiC coating on graphite is quite different from that of the coating on
metallic materials. Graphite is formed from stacked layers of graphene planes with relatively
weak bonds between the planes (metallic or Van der Waals bonding). Several factors must be
considered when forming a SiC coating on the graphite components including the difference in
the thermal expansion at elevated temperature (CTEgraphite (1100 °K): 8.6x10-6 K-1 and CTESiC
(1100 °K): 5.5x10-6 K-1), thermodynamic compatibility, and the inherent weak bond nature of
the bonding between graphene planes. The difference in thermal expansion between the two
dissimilar materials and thermodynamic incompatibility (i.e. lacking chemical reaction) often
lead to bonding failure at elevated temperatures for many coating/host materials. Although the
interfacial reaction is thermodynamically favored, the problem of the inherently weak bonding
nature of graphite basal planes still remains.
To resolve these problems, a functionally

gradient layer at the interfacial region is being
developed applying various techniques such
as CVD, CVI+CVR, slip/packing coating and
so on. In the case of CVI + CVR technique, for
instance, the molten silicon is evaporated and
infiltrates the surface of the graphite substrate
through the micro-pores on the surface and thus
the silicon carbides are formed by the reaction
between infiltrated Si and the host graphite,
enhancing adhesion force of the SiC coating
formed and the graphite substrate. However,
SiC formed by the infiltration reaction contains
a certain amount (~10 - 20%) of free Si. For the
CVD process, a functionally graded layer having
the graded compositional ratio of SiC-Si-C can Figure 2. Schematic illustrating the ion beam
be formed by controlling the concentrations mixing processes.
of the volatile precursors and the carrier gases.
Therefore, the interface tailoring is of importance in case of SiC coating on graphite.
Once the gradient coatings have been established on initial graphite interfaces, the technique will
be applied to small graphite specimens which will be irradiated in the Idaho National Laboratory
(INL) Advanced Graphite Creep (AGC) experiment. The coatings will be characterized and
analyzed non-destructively before irradiation to ascertain the viability of the coatings. After
irradiation, the coatings will be re-examined and tested for adherence to the graphite substrate,
cracking, spallation, or other degradation issues experienced while being irradiated.
Research Progress
In this first year project, researchers at Korean Atomic Energy Research Institution (KAERI) have
been developing the ion beam processing with a state-of-the-art coating technology. The INL
has been designing and fabricating the next AGC irradiation test train (AGC-4) for insertion and
irradiation into the Advanced Test reactor (ATR) in November 2014.
PAGE 93
The following sections summarize results in each task area.
Task 1: CFD calculations in case of air ingress (INL)
The INL’s HTR program has been developing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for a
variety of HTR designs including Pebble Bed and Prismatic designs. The PIs for this study have been
in discussions with the HTR Methods group to ascertain the various ingress accident scenarios
including air and water. The sophisticated ingress accident models will be exploited in further
development of future oxidation protective coatings once the coating technique has been
proven.
An air-ingress accident is the most aggressive oxidation condition and the CVD models pertaining
to this event are being actively researched with the HTR Methods program. However, while not
included within the original proposal, it has become apparent through discussions with the HTR
Methods group that a water ingress event has a high probability, especially when a water-based
heat exchanger is included within the design. The effects of water on the SiC coating must be
addressed as well as the air oxidation resistance. There are no anticipated issues with water on
the SiC coatings but testing under moist conditions will be one of test variables.
Task 2: Modeling and weight loss testing of SiC coated graphite (INL/KAERI)
Initial work in modeling accident conditions has begun. However, testing of the SiC coated
graphite specimens is awaiting the development of initial coatings.
Task 2a: Theoretical simulation
First-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations are being developed to obtain

the optimal parameters and conditions for the SiC coating layers on a graphite substrate.
Calculations as well as ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations are being performed for the
following subjects: (1) oxidation of graphite; (2) oxidation of SiC; (3) structure of the SiC/graphite
interface; (4) graphitization process in the SiC/graphite interface; (5) oxidation of the SiC/
graphite interface.
These calculations and simulations will be fully utilized once the initial deposition techniques have
been established. The conditions and experience gained from the initial coating development
will assist in creating the optimal deposition parameters for a graphite component. An iterative
feedback for the reaction rate processes based upon the coating test results will enhance the
coating technique for these hybrid structures.
Task 2b: Oxidation experiment
Oxidation experiments will be conducted once sample development has produced acceptable
coatings (Task 4).
Task 3: Pore structure and strength variation of SiC graphite (KAERI/INL)
Pore structure and strength variation experiments will be conducted once sample development
has produced acceptable coatings (Task 4).
Task 3a: Thermal test
Thermal testing will be conducted once sample development has produced acceptable
coatings (Task 4).
PAGE 94
Task 3b: XRD analysis
XRD analysis will be conducted once sample development has produced acceptable coatings
(Task 4).
Task 3c: Surface and interface analysis
Cracks, pores, and pinholes on the coating layer will be observed by HR-SEM and OM once
sample development has produced acceptable coatings (Task 4).
Task 3d: Mechanical property analysis
Compression strength, surface hardness, and sonic velocity will be measured for the oxidation-
tested specimens once sample development has produced acceptable coatings (Task 4). The
interfacial responses under the compressive loading will be examined by means of digital image
correlation method.
Task 4: Development of oxidation protective coating (KAERI)
The development of an adherent and robust SiC coating on graphite specimens utilizing the
improvements inherent to ion beam mixing is the primary task of this project. Basically, an ion
beam is focused onto a thin SiC deposited film, mixing the Si and C atoms together in the film and
the interface. This is followed by additional SiC coating to a desired thickness. One of the merits
of ion beam mixing (IBM) is that the surface pretreatment is not imperative as in conventional
diffusion bonding because a forceful intermixing by the energetic ions mitigates the effect of the
initial surface conditions. Ion beam processed coatings create improved interfacial properties
utilizing graded ion-mixing with ramped ion energy, employ multiple ion beam mixed deposition
processes to build up the thickness of protective layer, and can inject various compound forming
species during deposition. The ion beam process can produce not only a graded interface but
also improve the bonding property in the near surface layers of the graphite. These coating
attributes are to be investigated during this project.
The majority of activity on the project has been concerned with this task. Equipment purchase,
apparatus assembly, and preliminary coating technique development has been initiated over
the past 7-8 months since the beginning of this project, Figures 3-6. The SiC film is being deposited
on right cylindrically shaped, isotropic nuclear grade graphite specimens. The coating will be
deposited to a thickness of 50 – 100 nm by e-beam evaporation, followed by ion beam mixing
with Ar ion. The coating and ion beam mixing system operates in high vacuum. For optimal
mixing and subsequent interfacial strength, the ion energy deposition will be maximized at the
interfacial region. Stopping Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) software may be employed to assist
with the ion beam mixing process. After ion beam mixing, additional SiC film will be deposited up
to the designed thickness. The coating and the ion beam bombardment is repeated to produce
a less abrupt interface and to increase the film density by ion hammering.
PAGE 95
Evaporator
Sample loading rotating jig
Ion beam
Figure 3. The e-beam evaporative depostiton device is equipped with a 100 keV ion implanter,
aiming the . . .
Coating
Figure 4. Image of rotating jig inside the coating/ion mixing chamber. The 360° rotation allows
uniform coating of entire specimen.
PAGE 96
Figure 5. Schematic of E-beam evaporative

coating deposition process. A functionally
graded coating is created by melting and
depositing successive layers with different
compositions of materials as illustrated
by the different materials on the left side
of the graphic. Ion beam mixing is used
between successive deposits to create a
gradual gradient rather than a step-wise
gradient of material compositions.
Figure 6. Auger analysis of initial SiC

coating. The coating with IBM shows more
broadened interface than a coated
interface without ion beam mixing. Analysis
illustrates functionally gradient coating
resulting from IBM.
Task 4a: E-beam SiC coating and Ion beam mixing
During initial coating the SiC material will be applied in a ~1µm thick deposit on the graphite
specimens. After analyzing the interface and the deposited thin film, larger deposition thicknesses
are used to build up the thickness of the protective layer.
Task 4b: SiC formation by CVI+ CVR and Ion beam mixed SiC coating
Vapor infiltration and vapor reaction (CVI & CVR) coatings are formed using the following steps:
(1) substrate surface is bombarded with Ar+ ions to eliminate surface contaminants and open
any closed micro-pores near the surface, (2) Solid poly-silicon is thermally evaporated and
reacted with the graphite substrate to form SiC on the surface of the substrate, (3) Ions beam
mix the deposited, thin coating to mix the surface layers.
PAGE 97
Task 4c: CVD on the ion beam mixed SiC layer
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is also carried out on the ion mixed coating layers in order to
create thicker SiC coating layers rapidly.
Task 4d: Analysis of the protective coating
The thickness, density, phase content and microstructure of the SiC coating layers are examined
after each deposition. The relation between these characteristics and the physical parameters
of the coatings during oxidation testing (in air) will be conducted at 1000°C and 1500°C.
Furthermore, thermal cyclic tests between 500°C and 1000°C will be conducted.
Task 5: Thermal heating and low dose irradiation of the coated specimens (INL)
The NGNP Graphite R&D program will provide irradiation and high temperature oxidation testing
for the SiC coated graphite specimens based upon the expected conditions during an air
accident event (Task 1). The NGNP Graphite R&D program is currently in the process of designing
and building the fourth Advanced Graphite Creep irradiation test train (AGC-4). The AGC-4
irradiation capsule will expose a set of graphite specimens to temperatures of 800 °C and a
neutron dose range of 2-7 dpa. The central stack area of each test series capsule has been
made available for experimental VHTR materials such SiC coated-graphite, as shown in Figure 7.
Approximately 12 SiC coated graphite specimens will be irradiated in the central column along
with other graphite specimens.
Figure 7. AGC irradiation test train cross-section

illustrating specimen columns. Six outer columns
are tested under a mechanical load while
the central column is unloaded. SiC coated
specimens will be irradiated in the central
unloaded column.
Since the application for SiC coated graphite is for low fluence graphite support columns, the
specimens will be placed in low dose positions within the AGC test train. The coated specimens will
be irradiated in graphite “cans” which will contain any coatings that may fail during irradiation.
The SiC coated specimens will be required to meet the interior dimensions of the irradiation cans
- 10mm diameter X 6mm in length. Depending upon the position within the test series capsule the
specimens can be expected to achieve end of life dose levels (1-2 dpa). No mechanical load
will be placed upon these initial test specimens. This irradiation test will provide the final proof
that the coating can survive the expected conditions inside a VHTR design.
PAGE 98
In addition to coating examination (Post irradiation examination – PIE), oxidation testing of the
specimens will be provided by INL. Oxidation rates of the coated and irradiated specimens will
be compared to uncoated, irradiated and unirradiated specimens that have been previously
been tested at INL’s Carbon Characterization Laboratory (CCL). Any damage to the coatings or
significant weight loss during oxidation testing will be investigated. The anticipated outcome of
this project is a verified and validated oxidation protective coating process on the graphite with
computational and experimental data to use for VHTR design.
Depending upon the progress made with the coating technique, large enough specimens may
be coated which could allow INL to perform mechanical testing after the oxidation mass loss
experiments. Mechanical strength results for the SiC coated specimens can then be directly
compared to uncoated specimens that have been previously tested for acute air-ingress
accident conditions. Preparations are being made at the CCL to mechanically test irradiated
specimens. The testing equipment has been purchased, received, set-up, qualified, and
preliminary mechanical testing on unirradiated specimens is being conducted. Once the proper
techniques have been developed the irradiated specimens will be tested.
Planned Activities
In the second project year, the research team will optimize the IBM coated specimen coatings,
test the new coatings both mechanically and thermally, and initiate irradiation testing of the
initial coated specimens. Researchers will conduct the following activities specific to each task:
Task 1: CFD calculations in case of air ingress (INL)
Discussions with the INL’s HTR Methods Development team on computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) models for a variety of HTR designs including Pebble Bed and Prismatic designs will
continue. The conditions for both air and woter ingress accident scenarios will be investigated
and applied to post-coating testing methodologies.
Task 2: Modeling and weight loss testing of SiC coated graphite (INL/KAERI)
Modeling of oxidation weight loss under accident conditions will continue. The modeling results
will be augmented with data from weight loss testing results. Modeling efforts (and weight loss
testing) will be conducted on optimized coatings utilizing the analysis of the microstructure
developed by functionally graded deposition and ion beam mixing.
Task 2a: Theoretical simulation
First-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations will continue. Calculations based

upon detailed microstructure as well and chemical profiling within the graded coatings will
assist in the development of more sophisticated models. Once the coating parameters have
been more established, calculations as well as ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations will be
performed for graphite & SiC coating oxidation rates. This will necessarily include understanding
the oxidation behavior and rate of the graded SiC/graphite interface structure.
An iterative feedback process utilizing the results from these calculations and simulations along
with the actual coating results has been initiated to create a more optimized coating. The
conditions and experience gained from the initial coating development will continue to assist
in this iterative process to create an optimal deposition parameter based upon the theoretical
simulations of these hybrid structures.
PAGE 99
Task 2b: Oxidation experiment
Oxidation experiments will be conducted on the initial specimens. Results from these initial
studies will provide feedback to the simulations, models and coating parameters of the graphite
specimens. Oxidation experiments will continue on optimized specimens with corresponding
feedback to the coating parameters.
Task 3a-d: Pore structure and strength variation of SiC graphite (KAERI/INL)
Mechanical strength testing will be conducted on the initial coated specimens. Results from these
initial studies will provide feedback to the coating process and the coatings will be optimized for
future specimens. Thermal, XRD analysis, surface and interface analysis, and finally mechanical
property testing will be conducted to ascertain the mechanical strength and structural integrity
of the coatings.
Task 4a-d: Development of oxidation protective coating (KAERI)
KAERI will continue to optimize the development of an adherent and robust SiC coating. The
coating technique being developed has a wide variety of combinations utilizing different
functionally graded deposition layer depths, layer compositions, amounts of mixing through
ion beam interactions, and thickness of remaining CVD coating. Utilizing the information from
the development of coating models and simulations along with direct data from testing and
coating analysis will assist in developing an optimized coating.
The optimal coating process utilizing deposition thickness, gradient level, and coating material
compositions will be ascertained during the second year of development. Utilizing the deposition
chamber capabilities to alter the coating layers and feedback from post-deposition analysis
the parameters for an optimal gradient coatings will be developed. In addition, to reduce the
thermally induced stresses potentially present within the interface layers the ion beam parameters
will be varied. The ion beam time, beam energy, and stages of application during deposition will
be explored.
A number of SiC coated specimens will be fabricated for testing and analysis. Data from these
tests will be used for model and deposition process improvements. In addition, right cylindrical
shaped specimens will continue to be fabricated for irradiation and large mechanical testing.
Task 5: Thermal heating and low dose irradiation of the coated specimens (INL)
The NGNP Graphite R&D program will begin irradiation testing of the initial SiC coated graphite
specimens in the fourth Advanced Graphite Creep irradiation test train (AGC-4). While the initial
coated specimens are not optimized we want to take advantage of the opportunity to irradiate
coated specimens within the AGC experiment. These irradiations are effectively free since there
is available space within the AGC-4 irradiation capsule. Approximately 12 SiC coated graphite
specimens will be irradiated in the central column of the AGC-4. The AGC-4 irradiation test train
will be irradiated from November 2014 to October 2016. Therefore, the AGC-4 capsule will not be
available for any future optimized coated specimens during this time frame. Potential irradiation
capsules for future specimens will be explored.
Thermal testing of the SiC coated specimens will be conducted in this second year of the
program. Coated specimens will be subjected to normal and accident temperatures based
upon CFD calculations (Task 1). A high-temperature furnace in the CCL will be used to test the
coatings on the specimens followed by analysis of the coatings and graphite substrate. Analysis
data from these inspections will be utilized for model, process, and coating improvements.
PAGE 100
Development of Project Number: 2013-003-K
Advanced Long Life Small

Modular Fast Reactor
PI (U.S.): Changho Lee & Richard R. Lell,
Argonne National Laboratory
PI (ROK): Sang Ji Kim, Korea Atomic

Collaborators: N/A

RD&D
Research Objectives
The primary objective of this three-year collaborative research
program is to develop an affordable and high-performance Project End Date: November 2016
small modular reactor core concept aiming local small-size
electricity grid markets (~100 MWe) without refueling for reactor
lifetime.
A wide range of SMR core concepts has been proposed aiming

for lower initial capital investment, scalability, and siting flexibility
at a location where a large-scale plant is not accommodated.
The majority of proposed SMR core concepts use light water as the
coolant; however, fast reactor SMR technologies have potential
inherent safety and nonproliferation benefits. The SMRs based
on fast reactor technology could be fabricated and fueled in a
factory, sealed and transported to sites for power generation or
process heat, operated without refueling for reactor lifetime and
then returned to the factory.
In this project, an affordable, high performance, and long-life

small modular fast core concept will be developed by merging
the sodium-cooled fast SMR core concept developed by
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and the long-life breed-and-
burn fast reactor core concept developed by Ulsan National
Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST). The developed
long-life SMR core concept from this project will meet the goals
pursued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear
Energy (DOE-NE) SMR programs and increase the presence of
U.S. and Korea industries in small-grid markets where a clean,
secured and stable electricity resource in required.
Planned Activities and Programs

Feasibility Study of Long Life Fast Reactor Concepts.
The goal of this task is to evaluate the feasibility of long life fast
reactor concepts and develop the design requirements. Table 1
PAGE 101
shows primary design and core performance parameters of the selective long life fast reactor
concepts, which include 100 MWe SMR (ANL-100) and 3000 MWt ultra-long life core concept
(ULFR-3000) developed by ANL targeting capital and operational cost reductions and ultra-high
burnup in a fast reactor system, long-life core concept (UCFR-1000) developed by UNIST, and
Constant Axial shape of Neutron flux, nuclide densities and power shape During Life of Energy
production (CANDLE) proposed by Sekimoto.
ds Table 1. Long Life Breed-and-burn Fast Reactors

Parameter UCFR-1000 a) ULFR-3000 b) AFR-100 c) CANDLE d)
ble.
Power, thermal/electrical [MW] 2600 / 1000 3000 250 / 100 3000
Refueling interval [year] 60 44 30 -
Fuel form U-10Zr/SF-7Zr U-Pu-Mo U-10Zr U-10Zr
Fuel density [% TD] 74.5 75 75 75
Active core height [cm] 240 175 110 800
Core diameter [cm] 600 600 300 400
Fuel volume fraction [%] 43.7 39.7 43.9 50
Initial heavy metal loading [t] 238 297 23.9 -
Specific power density [MW/t] 10.9 10.1 10.5 -
Specific power density [W/cc] 61 59 64.3 -
Avg. Linear power [kW/m] 159 24.4 15.2 -
Peak fast neutron flux fluence [1023 n/cm2] 22 19.4 5.97 -
Avg. Burn-up, driver/blanket [GWd/t] 239 303/164 101 381
Overall Breeding ratio 1.1 1.081 0.8 -
a) Taewoo Tak, Deokjung Lee, and T. K. Kim, “Design of Ultralong-Cycle Fast Reactor Employing Breed-and-
burn Strategy,” Nuclear Technology, 183, pp.427-435, September (2013).
a) Taewoo Tak, Deokjung Lee, and T. K. Kim, “Design of Ultralong-Cycle Fast Reactor Employing
b) T. K. Kim and T. A. Taiwo, “Feasibility Study of Ultra-Long Life Fast Reactor Core Concept,” PHYSOR-2010,
Breed-and-burn
Pittsburgh,Strategy,”
PA (2010). Nuclear Technology, 183, pp.427-435, September (2013).
c) T. K. Kim, C. Grandy, and R. Hill, “A 100MWe Advanced Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor Core Concept,”
b) T. K. Kim and T. A. Taiwo, “Feasibility Study of Ultra-Long Life Fast Reactor Core Concept,”
PHYSOR-2012, Knoxville, TN (2012).
PHYSOR-2010, Pittsburgh,
d) H. Sekimoto, PA Y.
K. Ryu, and (2010).
Yoshimura, “CANDLE: The New Burnup Strategy,” Nuclear Science and
Engineering, 139, 306-317 (2001).
c) T. K. Kim, C. Grandy, and R. Hill, “A 100MWe Advanced Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor Core
Concept,” PHYSOR-2012, Knoxville, TN (2012).
The initial feasibility study on the long-life core concept was conduced using the
d) H.CANDLE
Sekimoto, K. Ryu, and Y.
concept Yoshimura,
additional “CANDLE:
feasibility The
study forNew Burnup Strategy,”
the non-water cooledNuclear
reactor Science
and concepts
Engineering,are139, 306-317
planed. (2001).
Figure 1 shows the simplified conceptual schematic of the
geometry of 8m-tall CANDLE concept. The CANDLE adopted the breed-and-burn
The initial feasibility study on the long-life core concept was conduced using the CANDLE concept
strategy in axial direction: i.e., enriched uranium region located core bottom plays a
and additional feasibility studies for the non-water cooled reactor concepts are planned. Figure
role of an igniter and a blanket region in axial direction as a fissile breeder that utilizes
1 shows the simplified conceptual schematic of the geometry of 8m-tall CANDLE concept. The
natural or depleted uranium. The enrichment uranium region of total 1.2 m consists of
CANDLE adopted the breed-and-burn strategy in axial direction: i.e., enriched uranium region
three parts, which have different enrichment each, and it starts the burning and
located at the core bottom plays a role of an igniter and a blanket region in axial direction
consequently causes the breeding. The diameter of this core is 4 m including radial
as a fissile breeder that utilizes natural or depleted uranium. The enrichment uranium region
reflector of 50 cm thickness and this reflector is also made of depleted uranium. All the
of total 1.2 m consists of three parts, which have different enrichment each, and it starts the
fuel is a binary metallic fuel of U-Zr form. Figures 2 and 3 show the results of a core
burning and consequently causes the breeding. The diameter of this core is 4 m including radial
depletion calculation: the core multiplication factors and the axial power profiles as a
reflector of 50 cm thickness and this reflector is also made of depleted uranium. All the fuel is a
function of depletion time, respectively. The fluctuation of the core multiplication factor
binary metallic fuel of U-Zr form. Figures 2 and 3 show the results of a core depletion calculation:
is due to the nature of Monte Carlo calculations. It is noticed that there is a saturation
the core multiplication factors and the axial power profiles as a function of depletion time,
region in the graph for the multiplication factors, which means a steady breeding is
respectively. The fluctuation of the core multiplication factor is due to the nature of Monte
performed along the axial direction. Figure 3 presents the movement of maximum
Carlo calculations. It is noticed that there is a saturation region in the graph for the multiplication
power position whose trend line tells that the propagation speed is 3.4 cm per year.
factors, which means a steady breeding is performed along the axial direction. Figure 3 presents
the movement of maximum power position whose trend line tells that the propagation speed is
3.4 cm per year.
h.
PAGE 102
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Figure 2. Feasibility Test of Breed-and-burn Core Concept with CANDLE Model
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PAGE 103
parameters will be determined to meet the core design requirements developed in Task 1. The
long life small modular fast reactor will use the breed-and-burn concept. Various propagation
concepts of the depletion zone, such as axial (traveling wave) or radial (assembly shuffling)
directions, will be assessed in this task.
Task 3: Core Performance Analysis of Long Life Small Modular Fast Reactor. The goal of this
task is to evaluate the core performance characteristics and the safety features of the newly
developed long life small modular fast reactor concept in Task 2. Core performance parameters
such as reactor power, uranium enrichment, refueling interval, number of batches, active core
height, specific power density, core average burnup, burnup reactivity swing, fissile breeding
ratio, discharge burnup, peak fast flux, and linear heat rate will be assessed. The kinetics and
reactivity feedback parameters will also be assessed. Finally, the inherent fast features will be
assessed using the integral reactivity parameters for the hypothetical unprotected accident
scenarios of Unprotected Loss of Heat Sink (ULOHS), Transient Over-Power (UTOP), Loss of Flow
(ULOF), etc.
PAGE 104
Kernkraftwerk Isar Nuclear Power Plant at night

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
PAGE 105
Appendix I.
Acronyms
Misc C
~ Approximately C Carbon
∆ ρ Delta Rho (denotes change in C Celsius
reactivity) Ca Calcium
µm Micrometer(s) CASL Consortium for Advanced Simulation
μg Microgram(s) of Light Water Reactors
2D Two-Dimensional CBM Condition-Based Monitoring
3D Three-Dimensional Ce Cerium
CEA Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et
A aux énergies alternatives
CEN Comité Européen de Normalisation
AECL Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
Cf Californium
Ag Silver
CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics
Al Aluminum
CG Coarse-Grained
ANL Argonne National Laboratory
CGR Crack Growth Rate
ANRE Agency of Natural Resources and
Energy Cl Chlorine
APS Advanced Photon Source CLC Current Life Consumption
APT Atom Probe Tomography cm Centimeter(s)
Ar Argon CNY Chungnam National University
ARC Advanced Reactor Concepts Cr Chromium
ATLAS Advanced Thermal-Hydraulic Test CRP Coordinated Research Project
Loop for Accident Simulation CSM Colorado School of Mines
CTR Crystal Truncation Rod
B Cu Copper
bcc Body-Centered Cubic CW Cold Worked
BDBA Beyond Design-Basis Accident CY Calendar Year
BFS Big Physical Stand (facility)
BWR Boiling Water Reactor
PAGE 106
D G
D Deuterium Gd Gadolinium
DBA Design-Basis Accident GELINA Geel Linear Accelerator
DNBR Departure from Nuclear Boiling Ratio Gen IV Generation IV
DNS Direct Numerical Simulation GETMAT Generation IV and Transmutation
DOE Department of Energy Materials (Euratom program)
dpa Displacements Per Atom GIF Generation IV International Forum
DSA Dynamic Strain Aging GPa Gigapascal(s)
DSC Differential Scanning Calorimetry GT Guide Thimble

GWD/MTU Gigawatt – Days per Metric Ton of
Uranium
E
EBSD Electron Backscatter Diffraction H
ECAE Equal Channel Angular Extrusion
h Hour(s)
ECAP Equal Channel Angular Processing
H Hydrogen
EDM Electrical Discharge Machining
Hf Hafnium
EDS Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy
HIP Hot Isostatic Press
ENDF Evaluated Nuclear Data File
HLM Heavy Liquid Metal
EPMA Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA)
HTGR High-Temperature Gas-Cooled
EPRI Electric Power Research Institute Reactor
EU European Union HT-UPS High-Temperature Ultrafine Precipitate-
Eu Europium Strengthened (steel alloy)
F I
F Flourine I&C Instrumentation and Control
F/M Ferretic/Martensitic IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
FA Fuel Assembly IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers
fcc Face-Centered Cubic
IFBA Integral Fuel Burnable Absorber
FCM Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated
(fuel) IFNEC International Framework for Nuclear
Energy Cooperation
FCR&D Fuel Cycle Research and
Development IMF Inert Matrix Fuel
Fe Iron INC International Nuclear Cooperation
(framework)
FFTF Fast Flux Test Facility
I-NERI International Nuclear Energy Research
FIB Focused Ion Beam
Initiative
FIGARO Fissile Interrogation Using Gamma Rays
INL Idaho National Laboratory
from Oxygen
INM Internal Network Manager
FWHM Full Width at Half Maximum
INU Internal Network Unit
FY Fiscal Year
IPPE Institute of Physics and Power
Engineering
PAGE 107
IRIS International Reactor Innovative and M

Secure
M Molar
IRMM Institute for Reference Materials and
Measurements MA Mechanically Alloyed
ISO International Organization for MA Minor Actinide
Standardization MatDB MIPS Arabidopsis Thaliana Database
IT Instrument Thimble MATLAB Matrix Laboratory
ITU Institute for Transuranium Elements MCNP Monte Carlo N-Particle
MEST Ministry of Education, Science and
J Technology
MeV Mega-Electron Volt
J Joule
MEXT Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
JEFF Joint Evaluated Fission and Fusion
Science, and Technology
JRC Joint Research Centre
mg Milligram(s)
mm Millimeter(s)
K Mn Manganese
K Kelvin Mo Molybdenum
K Potassium MONNET Mono Energetic Neutron Tower
KAERI Korea Atomic Energy Research MOST Ministry of Science and Technology
Institute (superseded by MEST)
keff k-effective (neutron multiplication MOX Mixed Oxide
factor)
MPa Megapascal(s)
keV Kiloelectron Volt(s)
MPa√m Megapascal Square Root Meter
keVee Electron Equivalent Recoil Energy (measure of fracture toughness)
(measured by scintillation light)
MPM Mechanical Properties Microscope
kPa Kilopascal(s)
MST Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia
kW Kilowatt
MV Megavolt(s)
MWe MegaWatt electric
L
LANL Los Alamos National Laboratory N
LANSCE Los Alamos Neutron Science Center
N Newton(s)
LAS Low-Alloy Steel
Na Sodium
LCF Low-Cycle Fatigue
NE Office of Nuclear Energy
LES Large Eddy Simulation
NE-6 Office of International Nuclear Energy
Li Lithium Policy and Cooperation
LOCA Loss-of-Coolant Accident NEA Nuclear Energy Agency (of OECD)
LOFA Loss-of-Flow Accident NEAMS Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling
LRUS Laser Resonant Ultrasonic and Simulation (program)
Spectroscopy NFA Nanostructured Ferritic Alloy
LWR Light Water Reactor NGNP Next Generation Nuclear Plant
PAGE 108
Ni Nickel S
nm Nanometer(s) s Second(s)
NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission S Sulfur
NRCan Department of Natural Resources SA Solution Annealed
Canada
SCC Stress Corrosion Cracking
SEM Scanning Electron Microscope/
O Microscopy
O Oxygen SF Spontaneous Fission
ODS Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened SFR Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor
OECD Organisation for Economic SG Steam Generator
Co-operation and Development
SHARP Simulation-Based High Accuracy
OPR Optimized Power Reactor Advanced Reactor Prototyping
ORNL Oak Ridge National Laboratory SiC Silicon Carbide
SIMS Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
P SIMSA Safety Index Monitoring during Severe
Accidents
Pb Lead
SMART System-Integrated Modular Advanced
pcm Per Cent Mille
Reactor
PEM Process and Equipment Monitoring
SMR Small Modular Reactor
PEP Process and Equipment Prognostics
SND Standard Neutron Detector
PFNS Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum
SRO Short-Range Ordering
PI Principal Investigator
SSMT Small-Scale Materials Testing
ppm Parts Per Million
STIP Swiss Spallation Neutron Source Target
ps Picosecond(s) Irradiation Program
Pu Plutonium
PWR Pressurized Water Reactor T
T/H Thermal-Hydraulic
R TCM Thermal Conductivity Microscope
R&D Research and Development TEM Transmission Electron Microscope/
RCH Rotating Cylinder Hull Microscopy
RD&D Research, Development and Th Thorium
Demonstration Ti Titanium
REA Rod Ejection Accident TKE Total Kinetic Energy
RG Regulatory Guide TMT Thermomechanical Treatment
RHEED Reflection High-Energy Electron TOF Time of Flight
Diffraction
TRISO Tristructural-Isotropic
RMS Root Mean Square
TRU Transuranic
ROK Republic of Korea
TT Thermally Treated
RUL Remaining Useful Life
PAGE 109
U
U Uranium
UC University of California
UFFC Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and
Frequency Control
UFG Ultrafine-Grained
UNIST Ulsan National Institute of Science and
Technology
URL Underground Research Laboratory
UT University of Tennessee
V
V Volt(s)
VERDI Velocity for Direct Particle
Identification
VHTR Very High-Temperature (Gas-Cooled)
Reactor
W
W Tungsten
W Watt
WNR Weapons Neutron Research (facility)
WQ Water Quenched
wt% Weight Percent
X
XML Extensible Markup Language
XRD X-Ray Diffraction
Y
Y Yttrium
Z
ZPPR Zero Power Plutonium Reactor
Zr Zirconium
PAGE 110
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance facility;
Karlsruhe, Germany.
Courtesy of Joint Research Center
South Texas Nuclear Generat-
ing Station Power station; Bay
City, Texas.

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DOE/NE-0145

Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report

Shin Kori Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2

1 About This Document

3 1 The I-NERI Program

11 2 Research Work Scope

15 3 Summary of FY 2013 Projects

17 4 Project Summaries and Abstracts

106 Appendix I: Acronyms

Photo courtesy of National Research Foundation of Korea

• Section 1 provides an overview of the I-NERI program, including updates on funding

Nuclear High FLux Reactor (HFR)

• To develop improvements in the affordability of new reactors to enable nuclear energy

• To develop sustainable nuclear fuel cycles.

In an increasingly global society, the importance of international cooperation has escalated

• Develop advanced concepts and scientific breakthroughs in nuclear energy and

• Promote bilateral and multilateral collaboration with international agencies and

• Promote a nuclear science and engineering infrastructure to meet future technical

1.2 International Agreements

Figure 1. I-NERI Program Strategy.

Advanced reactors, systems, and compontents Advanced fuels

Alternative energy conversion cycles Transmutation science and engineering

LWR Sustainability Fuel cycle systems analysis

Advanced structural materials Advanced Modeling and Simulation tools

COLLABORATOR ORGANIZATION TOTAL

Republic of Korea Ministry of Science Information & Communication, 49

Brazil Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MST) 2

contributions from each partnering country. This section provides Column1

Brazil University of Manitoba [U] Korea Maritime University [U]

National Laboratories Universities

Brookhaven National Laboratory Idaho State University

University of Wisconsin * France Japan

* 2013 I-NERI Collaborators

Photo courtesy of National Research Foundation of Korea

2.1 Reactor Concepts Research, Development and Demonstration

Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART)

• Fast Reactor Technologies

• Advanced Reactor Regulatory Framework

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Advanced Concepts R&D

Light Water Reactor Sustainability

Advanced Modeling and Simulation

2.2 Fuel Cycle Research and Development

Fuel Cycle Options

demonstration of the fabrication processes and irradiation of lead-test assemblies to demonstrate

Separations, Waste Forms, and Fuel Resources

Used Fuel Disposition

Material Protection, Accounting, and Control Technologies

3.2 Program Activities

Two U.S.-Euratom projects received approval to continue:

Two new projects were initiated with the Euratom:

Five U.S.-ROK projects received approval to continue:

Photo courtesy of Euratom

4.1 United States–Euratom

Project Number** Project Title Completion Year

2010-002-E Spherical Particle Technology Research for Advanced 2013

* Project received a 1-year extension to original 3-year award.

Spherical Particle Project Number: 2010-002-E

Technology Research for

Target Applications PI (Euratom): Joseph Somers,

Collaborators: Los Alamos National

In the calcinations step, microspheres of UO3∙2H2O + 2.65 carbon

Simultaneous thermogravimetry, temperature profile, and mass

Synthesis of high-density UN or UC1-xNx with low carbon content, especially at large-scale