ISSN: 1546-962X
Page Count: 7

Microstructure Evolution in ZrC Irradiated with Kr ions
Gan, J
Research Scientist, Idaho National Laboratory, ID

Meyer, MK
Physicist, Argonne National Laboratory, IL

Birtcher, RC
Professor, The University of Wisconsin, WI

Allen, TR

Abstract

The gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) is one of six concepts for the Generation-IV nuclear energy system. The fuel for the GFR requires both a high heavy metal loading and the ability to withstand temperatures up to 1600°C during a loss of coolant accident. ZrC is among the few potential refractory ceramic materials with necessary properties to be considered as matrix materials for a dispersed carbide fuel. The radiation response of ZrC to high dose and temperature is a critical research need. This work investigated the microstructure of ZrC irradiated with 1 MeV Kr ions to doses of 10 and 30 dpa at 27°C and 10 and 70 dpa at 800°C with a damage rate approximately 3.0 × 10⁻³ dpa/s. No radiation-induced amorphization was found. A lattice expansion of approximately 7 % was observed for ZrC irradiated to 70 dpa at 800°C.

Keywords:
ZrC, Kr ions, microstructure, irradiation, dislocation, lattice expansion

Paper ID: JAI12376
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12376
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