The Division of Power’s Oak Ridge Nationwide Laboratory (ORNL) set a brand new milestone in nuclear part innovation, efficiently testing two 3D printed chrome steel experimental capsules on the lab’s Excessive Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). This achievement marks an necessary step in demonstrating that additively manufactured parts can meet the rigorous security requirements required in nuclear functions.
These capsules are used to carry pattern supplies throughout irradiation experiments, permitting researchers to check how these supplies may reply in a nuclear reactor. The capsule supplies a strain and containment barrier for the experiment, which is a essential security characteristic.
An ORNL workforce used a laser powder-bed system on the lab’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) to 3D print the 316H chrome steel capsules. The sort of metal is being evaluated as a result of it affords high-temperature power, corrosion and radiation resistance, confirmed nuclear-grade efficiency, and weldability obligatory for secure and sturdy use in reactor environments.
The workforce then assembled and certified the capsules for insertion into HFIR by ORNL’s Irradiation Engineering group. The capsules underwent a month-long irradiation within the reactor and had been eliminated absolutely intact. This demonstration units the stage for future nuclear part designs to be produced utilizing additive manufacturing.
“As we exhibit the reliability of those printed parts, we’re a future the place additive manufacturing may develop into normal observe in producing different essential reactor elements,” mentioned Ryan Dehoff, Director of the MDF at ORNL.
HFIR supplies one of many world’s highest neutron flux environments, permitting researchers to check and qualify fuels and supplies underneath situations reminiscent of a nuclear reactor. Fabricating and qualifying experimental capsules to irradiate gasoline and materials samples is a expensive and time-consuming course of, demanding customized supplies and designs. 3D printing may streamline the event of experimental capsules, considerably decreasing the price and time related to producing these parts, finally driving better innovation in nuclear science and expertise.
“The nuclear supplies and fuels analysis communities are being requested to qualify superior reactor applied sciences to outlive very harsh situations. Additive manufacturing will increase my group’s toolset to develop progressive experiments to help this essential want,” mentioned Richard Howard, a gaggle chief within the Nuclear Power and Gasoline Cycle Division at ORNL.
This work was sponsored by the DOE Workplace of Nuclear Power’s Superior Supplies and Manufacturing Applied sciences program.
