Computational thermodynamics for interpreting oxidation of structural materials in supercritical water

Lizhen Tan, Ying Yang, Todd R. Allen, Jeremy T. Busby

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) is one of the advanced nuclear reactors being developed to meet the soaring energy demand. The corrosion resistance of structural materials used in the SCWR becomes one of the major concerns as the operation conditions are raised up to ∼600°C and ∼25 MPa as compared to pressurized water reactors (PWRs) at ∼315°C and ∼15.5 MPa. Oxidation has been observed as the major corrosion behavior. To mitigate the oxidation corrosion, stabilities of metals and oxides need to be understood with respect to environmental temperature and oxygen partial pressure. Computational thermodynamics provides a practical approach to assess phase stabilities of such multicomponent multi-variable systems. In this study, calculated phase stability diagrams of alloys and corresponding oxides were used to guide the interpretation of oxidation behavior of SCW-exposed structural materials. Examples include ferritic-martensitic steel, austenitic steels and Ni-base alloy, e.g., HCM12A (Fe-11Cr), D9 (Fe-15Cr-15Ni), 800H (Fe-21Cr-32Ni), and 690 (Ni-30Cr-10Fe). Calculated results are in good overall consistence with the experimental data.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication15th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems-Water Reactors 2011
PublisherJohn Wiley and Sons Inc.
Pages1809-1817
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9781622761944
StatePublished - 2011
Event15th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems-Water Reactors 2011 - Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Duration: Aug 7 2011Aug 11 2011

Publication series

Name15th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems-Water Reactors 2011
Volume3

Conference

Conference15th International Conference on Environmental Degradation of Materials in Nuclear Power Systems-Water Reactors 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityColorado Springs, CO
Period08/7/1108/11/11

Keywords

  • Diffusion
  • Oxidation
  • Thermodynamics

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