In situ of dual-ion beam radiation damage in nanovoid Cu

Principal Investigator
Name:
Jin Li
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
(208) 526-6918
Team Members:
Name: Institution: Expertise: Status:
Xinghang Zhang Purdue University Microscopy, Martensite Steel, austenitic, coatings, IVEM, characterization, iron based alloy, helium embrittlement, in situ radiation, Ni based alloys, thiin films Faculty
Cuncai Fan Purdue University radiation damage, in situ radiation, nanomechanics, microstructure characterization, microscopy Graduate Student
Tongjun Niu Purdue University radiation damage, in situ radiation, nanomechanics, microstructure characterization, microscopy Graduate Student
Experiment Details:
Experiment Title:
In situ of dual-ion beam radiation damage in nanovoid Cu)
Work Description:
1. Objective, relevance, novelty, and capability. The main objective of this RTE proposal is to use in situ dual-ion beam technique (at IVEM-Argonne National Lab) to explore the influence of helium on radiation-induced void swelling. The ultimate goal is to design novel radiation-tolerant materials for advanced nuclear reactors. The materials to be investigated are Cu containing nanovoids. Relevance and significance. Irradiation-induced voids cause the degradation of material properties due to a volumetric swelling. It is known that Helium plays a crucial role in the swelling process, especially at elevated temperatures. Cu is a prototype for austenitic stainless steel and its radiation response is widely investigated by experiment and simulations. This project focuses on the dual-beam radiation in Cu with preexisting nanovoids (introduced by magnetron sputtering) to understand the Helium’s influence on the kinetics of void swelling, which will be essential for the design of radiation tolerant materials. Novelty. Using a multi-functional sputtering system, the PI’s team has fabricated Cu containing a high density of nanovoids. Previous studies by the PIs have shown that the pre-existing nanovoids can enhance the radiation tolerance in nanotwinned metals. However, these nanovoids shrink rapidly under single-beam heavy Kr ion radiation. Also, nanovoids lead to enhanced radiation tolerance in Cu. This observation is in drastic contrast to the conventional wisdom of radiation-induced void swelling. In situ dual-beam technique will allow us to examine the stability of these nanovoids with the existence of Helium. Capability. The proposed research team has expertise that covers materials design and fabrication using the sputtering technique, in situ radiation and in-depth microstructure analysis. They also have a strong track record of using IVEM facility in studying radiation damage in nanostructured metals, and thus can ensure the successful delivery of key information for the evaluation and design of advanced reactor materials. 2. Scientific approach - In situ dual-beam radiation of nanovoid Cu. Nanovoid Cu prepared by sputtering technique will be investigated. There is limited understanding on the in situ dual-beam ion irradiation of these materials. In situ radiation will be performed at Argonne National Lab under various conditions (temperature, dose and dose rate) to investigate the influence of Helium on void shrinkage and swelling. Post-radiation TEM analysis will be conducted at Purdue University. 2.1 Helium-enhanced void nucleation and swelling Our previous studies have shown that in situ TEM radiation of nanovoids without helium shrank rapidly. It is well known that inert gas atoms may act to stabilize a void embryo and assist in the nucleation process. Therefore, in the existence of helium, the gas-containing voids are expected to swell rather than shrink. 2.2 The pinning effect of Helium bubbles on grain boundaries migration. Heavy ion irradiation can cause grain coarsening, especially at higher temperature. We assume that the helium bubbles that formed at grain boundaries may have the pinning effect on grain boundaries migration. 3. ~ 20 specimens will be irradiated. Month 1-3: In situ radiation of nanovoid Cu at room temperature; up to 10dpa. Month 4-8: In situ radiation of nanovoid Cu at 200 - 350 oC; up to 10dpa. Month 9: Analyzing data, prepare report and manuscripts for publication.
Project Summary
The main objective of this RTE proposal is to use in situ dual-ion beam technique (at IVEM-Argonne National Lab) to explore the influence of helium on radiation-induced void swelling. The ultimate goal is to design advanced radiation-tolerant materials for advanced nuclear reactors. The materials to be investigated are nanovoid and nanotwinned Cu prepared by magnetron sputtering.



Novelty. Using a multi-functional sputtering system, the PI’s team can fabricate various nanostructured materials that contain a high density of nanovoids. Previous studies by the PIs have shown that the pre-existing nanovoids can enhance the radiation tolerance in nanotwinned metals. However, these nanovoids shrink rapidly under single-beam heavy ion radiation. In situ dual-beam technique will allow us to examine the stability of such nanovoids with the existence of Helium.



Major tasks in this project include 1) investigation of Helium-enhanced void nucleation and swelling; 2) The pinning effect of Helium bubbles on grain boundaries migration.



Expected period of performance: January – September 2019

Relevance
The main objective of this RTE proposal is to use in situ dual-ion beam technique (at IVEM-Argonne National Lab) to explore the influence of helium on radiation-induced void swelling. The ultimate goal is to design advanced radiation-tolerant materials for advanced nuclear reactors. The materials to be investigated are nanovoid and nanotwinned Cu prepared by magnetron sputtering.

Relevance and significance. Irradiation-induced voids cause the degradation of material properties due to a volumetric swelling. It is known that Helium plays a crucial role in the swelling process, especially at elevated temperatures. This project focuses on the dual-beam radiation in nanovoid Cu to understand the Helium’s influence on the kinetics of void swelling, which will be essential for the design of radiation tolerant materials.

The proposed studies aligns well with DOE-NE agenda: “Develop new nuclear generation technologies – that foster the diversity of the domestic energy supply through public-private partnerships that are aimed in the near-term (2015) at the deployment of advanced, proliferation-resistant light water reactor and fuel cycle technologies and in the longer-term (2025) at the development and deployment of next-generation advanced reactors and fuel cycles.”

Novelty. Using a multi-functional sputtering system, the PI’s team can fabricate various nanostructured materials that contain a high density of nanovoids. Previous studies by the PIs have shown that the pre-existing nanovoids can enhance the radiation tolerance in nanotwinned metals. However, these nanovoids shrink rapidly under single-beam heavy ion radiation. In situ dual-beam technique will allow us to examine the stability of such nanovoids with the existence of Helium.

Capability. The proposed research team has expertise that covers materials design and fabrication using sputtering technique, in situ radiation and in-depth microstructure analysis. They also have a strong track record of using IVEM facility in studying radiation damage in nanostructured metals, and thus can ensure the successful delivery of key information for the evaluation and design of advanced reactor materials.