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Synchrotron X-Rays for Microstructural Investigations of Advanced Reactor Materials

  • Symposium: Materials Issues for Advanced Nuclear Systems
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Abstract

X-rays from synchrotron beamlines provide a powerful tool for materials analysis in circumstances where long-term materials degradation under complex loading conditions (e.g., temperature, irradiation, and stress) becomes important. This may occur for advanced gas cooled reactors. Synchrotron X-rays can help to improve lifetime assessments by providing a more in-depth understanding of microstructural damage. This article summarizes results of X-ray absorption fine spectrum analysis and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism synchrotron techniques. They were employed to evaluate various microstructural features, which are important in understanding the lifetime of materials exposed to extreme conditions. Dispersoid strengthening by yttria particles, conditions that produce nanocrystal Zircaloy, and the role of magnetism on the stability of ferritic steels were taken as examples.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Professor M. Victoria and Dr. C. Degueldre for their comments and support. We also thank Drs. S. Schuppler and P. Nagel for their help at the ANKA-WERA beamline, Dr. M. Nazmy for making the Fe-Cr alloys, A. Bullemer for the sample preparation, Dr. M. Niffenegger for the magnetization of the samples, Dr. D. Keavney for the estimation of the oxide contributions in the alloys, and Dr. F. Nolting for his help in the initial test experiments and for continual discussions. Work was performed within the Swiss Generation IV project. It was partly supported by the EU FP7 projects RAPHAEL and EXTREMAT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear Energy and Safety Department, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, PSI, CH-5232, Switzerland

    Wolfgang Hoffelner (Project Manager), Annick Froideval (Scientist), Manuel Pouchon (Scientist), Jiachao Chen (Scientist) & Maria Samaras (Scientist)

Authors
  1. Wolfgang Hoffelner
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  2. Annick Froideval
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  3. Manuel Pouchon
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  4. Jiachao Chen
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  5. Maria Samaras
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wolfgang Hoffelner.

Additional information

This article is based on a presentation given in the symposium entitled “Materials Issues for Advanced Nuclear Systems,” which occurred February 25–March 1, 2007 during the TMS Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida under the auspices of the Corrosion and Environmental Effects Committee of ASM-TMS.

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Hoffelner, W., Froideval, A., Pouchon, M. et al. Synchrotron X-Rays for Microstructural Investigations of Advanced Reactor Materials. Metall Mater Trans A 39, 212–217 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-007-9326-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-007-9326-z

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