Texas A&M researchers have shown superior performance of a new oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloy they developed for use in both fission and fusion reactors.
Dr. Lin Shao worked alongside research scientists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and Hokkaido University to create the next generation of high-performance ODS alloys.
ODS alloys consist of a combination of metals interspersed with small, nanometer-sized oxide particles and are known for their high creep resistance. As temperatures rise, the materials keep their shape instead of deforming.
Nuclear engineering researchers like Shao consistently seek to identify quality creep-resistant and swelling-resistant materials for their use in high-temperature reactors. The material in the core components of reactors must be high strength, radiation tolerant and resistant to swelling. Unfortunately, the majority of commercial ODS alloys are problematic because they are based on the ferritic phase. While ferritic alloys have proper ductility and high-temperature strength, they are weakest in resistance to swelling.
“We decided to explore a new design principle in which oxide particles are embedded in the martensitic phase, which is best to reduce void swelling, rather than the ferritic phase,” said Shao.
The resulting alloys can survive up to 400 displacements per atom and are some of the most successful alloys developed in the field, both in terms of high-temperature strength and superior-swelling resistance.
Details of the complete project were published in the Journal of Nuclear Materials along with the most recent study. The team has since conducted multiple studies and attracted attention from the U.S. Department of Energy and nuclear industry. The project resulted in a total of 18 journal papers and two doctoral degree dissertations.
FEATURED RESEARCHER
Dr. Lin Shao
- Professor