Improved Processing and Fabrication in Advanced, Radiation-Tolerant ODS Steel

The recently developed nanostructured ferritic alloy (NFA) 14YWT is tailored for high-fluence nuclear energy applications such as duct and cladding as it possesses a favorable combination of high-temperature strength and low-temperature ductility and fracture toughness properties. However, in order for NFA 14YWT to successfully find applications in advanced nuclear energy systems, further R&D is necessary in the processing, fabrication, and joining areas. The objective of this work is to explore improved alloy fabrication methods for 14YWT, that will lead to larger scale production, and thus, improved economics. Further, this work will also explore friction stir welding as a viable means of joining these advanced materials. In addition, the fabrication of rod, plate, and tube forms will be demonstrated. Finally, the radiation tolerance of the new processing techniques will be screened using ion irradiations. This work will provide several distinct benefits to the GNEP program and advanced fast reactors. These include the development of improved clad materials, improved economics and joining to help transition to industrial scale production. This research is complementary to both the core materials programs already part of GNEP/AFCI, GNEP NERI research and the fusion materials program and will help re-establishment of US leadership in the international community. This FWP is related to a proposal that is being submitted in response to DOE Solicitation DE-PS07-08ID14906 entitled "2008 Advanced Fuel Cycle Research and Development."