Accelerator Simulation and Theoretical Modelling of Radiation Effects (SMoRE)

Closed for proposals

Project Type

Coordinated Research Project

Project Code

T14002

CRP

1488

Approved Date

17 March 2008

Status

Closed

Start Date

15 May 2008

Expected End Date

14 May 2012

Completed Date

15 August 2012

Description

Materials properties can be strongly affected by irradiation, therefore behaviour of materials under irradiation has been studied for more than 50 years, however not all scientific and technological aspects have been fully understood and further research is still necessary, in particular there is lack of information for new and improved core materials irradiated at very high doses. This proposal for coordinated research project (CRP) is reflecting the needs of Member States in domain of high dose radiation effect on core structural materials in nuclear reactors and other nuclear systems (fusion reactors and ADS). The CRP is aiming to enhance the capability of interested Member States to build up advanced or innovative technologies by promotion of information exchange, including the assessment of the constructive use of such innovative technologies to resolve some of the issues associated with existing nuclear fuel cycles for sustainable growth of nuclear energy. The objectives of the CRP in the first phase are focused mostly at the improvement, development and testing of core structural materials for higher burn-up in advanced water-cooled and fast reactors. The identified goals will be addressed by accelerator simulation of high-dose irradiation and complementary application of theoretical modelling. The approach of coupling accelerator studies with modelling has tremendous potential to increase understanding of radiation damage in high dose materials, validation of complex materials models and increased use of novel characterization techniques for enhanced understanding of the basic problems and processes. The outputs of CRP will contribute to extension of knowledge in radiation effects and development of core structural materials with improved radiation-resistant properties.

Objectives

To establish international consensus in the developmental efforts on advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies, and to improve knowledge and data for the design and engineering of advanced materials of economic importance.

Specific objectives

The CRP would contribute, through sharing the best practices in accelerator irradiation and theoretical modelling , to better physical understanding of radiation damage in different irradiation environments and to enhance simulation capabilities of accelerators for development and testing of radiation-resistant materials.

Impact

The CRP results demonstrated the fruitfulness of joint work of accelerator experimentalists and condensed matter theoreticians in radiation effects research. The simulation capacities of advanced accelerator techniques for prediction of very high-dose material behaviour was proven.

Relevance

The project successfully addressed the very pending and difficult issue of high-dose irradiation testing of materials for advanced nuclear power applications, where many important parameters and characteristics are to be theoretically accessed due to lack or absence of experimental data.

CRP Publications

Type

IAEA-TECDOC or NE Series Report

Year

Planned for 2013

Description

The publication of the CRP SMoRE results, with extended overview of the current status of accelerator simulation techniques, theoretical modelling tools, and advanced material characterization methodologies.

Country/Organization

IAEA

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