Helium production in reactor materials

Birss, I.R.

doi:10.1016/0022-3115(70)90192-3

Cited by 35 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…In addition to typical radiation induced defects like interstitials and vacancies, 6 He production in nuclear reactors 7 can lead to He bubbles, which in turn leads to swelling 8 and embrittlement, 9 decreasing the lifetime of the reactor components. Metal þ CNT composites might provide plenty of incoherent interfaces that could trap He.…”

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confidence: 99%

Metal-nanotube composites as radiation resistant materials

González

Valencia

Mella

et al. 2016

Applied Physics Letters

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The improvement of radiation resistance in nanocomposite materials is investigated by means of classical reactive molecular dynamics simulations. In particular, we study the influence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in an Ni matrix on the trapping and possible outgassing of He. When CNTs are defect-free, He atoms diffuse alongside CNT walls and, although there is He accumulation at the metal-CNT interface, no He trespassing of the CNT wall is observed, which is consistent with the lack of permeability of a perfect graphene sheet. However, when vacancies are introduced to mimic radiation-induced defects, He atoms penetrate CNTs, which play the role of nano-chimneys, allowing He atoms to escape the damaged zone and reduce bubble formation in the matrix. Consequently, composites made of CNTs inside metals are likely to display improved radiation resistance, particularly when radiation damage is related to swelling and He-induced embrittlement

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confidence: 99%

Metal-nanotube composites as radiation resistant materials

González

Valencia

Mella

et al. 2016

Applied Physics Letters

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“…There are also (n, a) reactions occurring in all elements, which have effective threshold energies in the range 1 to 20 MeV. A complete description of these reactions has been given by Birss (1969). These threshold reactions are thus of particular importance to fast reactors, Boron is present as an impurity or as an additive to improve fracture strength in stainless steels at levels in the range 5 to 10p.p.m.…”

Section: J R Matthewsmentioning

confidence: 98%

The behaviour of materials in fast reactors

Matthews¹

1977

Contemporary Physics

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Fast neutron damage in fast reactors can limit the life of structural components through the growth of voids. The main features of the current theory of point defect production and condensation are surveyed. The role of metallurgical structures and radiation produced extended defects is outlined and used to demonstrate the development of volume swelling and radiation hardening. Mechanisms of radiation creep are described in the context of the preceding treatment of point defect behaviour. Finally, future trends in the field are briefly explored.

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“…As early as 1953 Fletcher showed the feasibility of annealing the irradiation damage with a partial recovery of irradiation-induced embrittlement [18]. In 1966, less than one decade after the first commercial fission reactors were available, worrisome damage levels were observed in core components, primarily induced by the void swelling in stainless steels irradiated with neutrons [10,11] limiting the lifetime of fission reactors. However, despite the high number of experimental reactors available worldwide from the 70s, the understanding grew slowly, and, for two decades, tests were carried out without adequate control of the irradiation features, leading to confusing data.…”

Section: Fusion Materials Testing Needs: Solutions In the Absence Of ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The need for fusion materials testing was already acknowledged in the early 70s [9] following the experience in fission reactors. Strong hints of degradation had been present upon the discovery by Cawthorne and Fulton of void swelling in 1966 [10], the subject of an enlightening review article by Birrs as early as 1969 [11]. The fairly good understanding of the physics at the time regarding available nuclear reactions and cross sections led to propose in 1975 a Li(d,n) source [12].…”

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An assessment of the available alternatives for fusion relevant neutron sources

Knaster¹

2018

Nucl. Fusion

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The discovery of void swelling in neutron-irradiated stainless steels by Cawthorne and Fulton in 1966 showed that radiation effects would seriously affect the lifetime of fission reactors. A few years later, in the early 1970s, serious damage levels were observed in core components of the first commercial fission reactors that had been in operation for one decade. Driven by the harder neutron spectrum, the fusion community was impelled to explore the technical possibilities to make available a fusion relevant neutron source to anticipate the difficulties faced by the fission reactors community and ensure the long-term operation of a fusion reactor. In 1976, the conclusions of the first review published announced the assets and drawbacks of the different possibilities, which today despite the four decades passed and the sound technological advancements, continue being basically the same. A suitable neutron spectrum can be theoretically obtained both from plasma-based or accelerators based facilities with either gas, liquid or solids targets. Needed facilities performances, available irradiation volumes that the concept allow and cost are at stake. In the past, the cost of the most promising facility based on stripping the neutron from a deuteron on a lithium target was misleadingly peered with that of a fusion reactor. A tokamak with sufficient volume to irradiate equipment under fusion relevant conditions will be likely available in the future once commercial fusion reactors have become a reality; unfortunately, this concept does not match the needs timely, and is unrealistic w.r.t. its costs nowadays with worldwide efforts prioritizing ITER. In this article, we will focus on the technical aspects and assess the present maturity of different existing possibilities based on nowadays technologies to count with neutrons at a suitable flux and spectrum to characterize and qualify fusion materials to be timely ready with our world fusion roadmaps.

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Helium production in reactor materials

Cited by 35 publications

References 10 publications

Metal-nanotube composites as radiation resistant materials

Metal-nanotube composites as radiation resistant materials

The behaviour of materials in fast reactors

An assessment of the available alternatives for fusion relevant neutron sources

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