This project, headed by the University of Michigan, aims to create high-fidelity ion beam simulation of high dose neutron irradiation. Our group will only focus on the microstructure of HT-9, which is being considered for in-core applications in advanced reactors. Using triple beam irradiation to inject helium or hydrogen at a rate relative to damage that simulates reactor irradiation and microscopy techniques, we will focus on generating microstructures in HT-9 equivalent to those produced from reactor irradiation conditions.
This will help in the effort to characterize radiation damage in materials being considered for use in the next generation of reactors.