Analyzing the effect of pressure on the properties of point defects in γU–Mo through atomistic simulations

Benjamin Beeler, Yongfeng Zhang, Atm Jahid Hasan, Gyuchul Park, Shenyang Hu, Zhi Gang Mei

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Abstract: Uranium–molybdenum (U–Mo) alloys in monolithic fuel foil are the primary candidate for the conversion of high-performance research reactors in the USA. Monolithic fuel is utilized in a plate-type design with a zirconium diffusion barrier and aluminum cladding. These fuel types are unique in that they contain no plenum for the release of fission gases, which, in conjunction with the aluminum cladding, can lead to large stress states within the fuel. The nature of how fundamental processes of radiation damage, including the evolution of point defects, under such stresses occur is unknown. In this work, we present molecular dynamics simulations of the formation energy of point defects under applied stress. This work will allow for the implementation of stress-dependent microstructural evolution models of nuclear fuels, including those for both fission gas bubble growth and creep, which are critical to ensure the stable and predictable behavior of research reactor fuels. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
JournalMRS Advances
Volume8
Issue number1
Early online dateOct 13 2022
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2023

INL Publication Number

  • INL/JOU-22-68041
  • 136316

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