Completed 
          (Aug 2001-Aug 2004)

 

Title  Development of a Mechanistic Understanding of High-Temp Deformation of EP-823 for Transmutation Applications	Researchers A. Roy, B. O'Toole Collaborators Stuart A. Maloy, AFCI Materials Team Leader, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Background  During the transmutation process, a significant amount of heat can be generated in a molten lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) target, which will be contained in a subsystem structural container made of a suitable martensitic iron-chromium-molbdenum (Fe-Cr-Mo) stainless steel such as Alloys EP-823, HT-9 and 422.  These materials will be subjected to high tensile stresses while they are in contact with the molten LBE at temperatures ranging between 400 and 600oC.  Therefore, a research program was conducted to evaluate the deformation characteristics of all three alloys in properly heat-treated conditions at temperatures relevant to the operating conditions.	Research Objectives and Methods The goal of this research project was to provide technical support to process designers working on the development of the fuel cycles for transmutation applications.  Detailed process models were developed to better define the impact of fuel choice on the transmuter fuel cycle, including relative process losses, waste generation, and plant capital cost.  These process models provide insight regarding required plant size and number of plants needed to mesh with the fuel recycling line.  They also determine requirements for automation.   Manufacturing models for large-scale production in a hot cell environment were also developed.  Combined, these two models allow the assessment of plant layout, and provide the framework for estimation of plant capital and operating cost estimates, and for feasibility in general.  The need for development in the areas of robotic and sensor technology was assessed.  The manufacturing technology developed for hot cell applications was also applicable to other, more general uses, where occupational hazards prevent human presence near processes. The research work was divided into several tasks and subtasks:  Methods and Processes – A literature survey and detailed analysis of the research and development pertaining to candidate processes for transmuter fuel manufacture was performed.  Industry standards were used to refine equipment, instrumentation, and control specifications, and assessed the reliability and safety of operations.   Simulations – This task modeled manufacturing processes to generate a realistic assessment of plant layout, size, feasibility, and technology development required for large-scale remote fabrication of fuel.  Modeling of the candidate fuel manufacturing processes was conducted using the MSC.visualNastran and ProEngineer simulation software tools.  The modeling of powder-processed fuels was completed, and the modeling of other fuel types (metallic, TRISO etc.) was initiated.  Process and Equipment for Autonomous Manufacturing – This task developed an understanding of the cost and capability of current generation remotely operated equipment suitable for use in radiation environments.  Monitoring of the market for equipment and components with regard to suitability for automated manufacturing under hot cell conditions was conducted.  Sensors, Controls, and Operational Safety – This task determined the adequacy of current technology and the need for suitable sensor technology development for deployment in hard radiation environments.  A means to identify the precise location and spatial orientation of all parts in the robot’s work envelope were implemented.  The ability to position and handle materials along with trouble shooting techniques were evaluated.  Radiation hardened vision systems appear to be promising technologies.    The Wäelischmiller robot inserts the fuel pins in the cladding tube. Friction Force (N) between Second Pin and Cladding Tube vs. Time (sec) during Insertion.
Students  Martin Lewis G John Motaka U Mark Jones G Prad Koppula, G Raymond Kozak G Srinivasa Kukatla G Martin Lewis G Venkata Potlur Gi Bhagath Yarlagadda G	Department Mechanical Engineering
Final Report   Final Report 09/01/03-08/31/04	Annual Report  Task 10 Year 1 Academic Year 2001 Task 10 Year 2 Academic Year 2002
Proposal Final 08/11/01 Task 10 Year 2 Task 10 Year 3	Quarterly Reports  09/01/01-11/30/01   12/01/02-02/28/02 03/01/02-05/31/02  03/01/03-05/31/03     06/01/03-08/31/03
Papers High-Temperature Deformation of Alloy EP-823 for Transmutation Applications  -ANS 4/2-5/03	Researchers M. Lewis, M. Jones, A. Roy,  B. O'toole

 Thesis
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Venkata Potluri, “Effect of Heat Treatment on Deformation and Corrosion Behavior of Type 422 Stainless Steel” Aug. 2004 (TRP Task 10)
PhD Mechanical Engineering, Srinivasa Kukatla, "Corrosion and High-Temperature Deformation Characteristics of a Target Structural Material for Transmutation Applications" Dec 2003 (TRP Task 10)
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Bhagath Yarlagadda, “Elevated Temperature Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Characteristics Evaluation of Alloy HT-9” Aug. 2004 (TRP Task 10)