Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Junlin Huang, Derek Lister, Xiaoliang Zhu, Shunsuke Uchida, Qinglan Xu
Summary: A method was proposed to evaluate the thickness and resistivity of the oxide/hydroxide film on aluminum alloy surface exposed to sump water after a loss-of-coolant accident. The obtained resistivity profiles revealed a duplex structure of the films formed at different pH levels, with the inner layer providing higher resistivity and protectiveness. The thickness and resistance of the film decreased with increasing pH, indicating decreased protectiveness against corrosion.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Marian Palcut, Romana Tomsova, Pavol Priputen, Zaneta Gerhatova, Martin Sahul, Martin Kusy
Summary: Two Al alloys with 1 and 3 at% Co were prepared and their corrosion behavior and hydrogen evolution were studied in a NaOH solution. The alloy with 1% Co showed the lowest corrosion resistance and the highest hydrogen evolution. The presence of Al9Co2 in the eutectic contributed to enhanced corrosion and hydrogen evolution. These results can be applied in the design of Al-Co alloys for hydrogen generation.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Baojie Dou, Xuejie Li, Junsoo Han, Kevin Ogle
Summary: A new approach using atomic emission spectroelectrochemistry (AESEC) was applied to simultaneously measure the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and elemental dissolution rates in the reaction of galvanized steel coatings with HCl solution. The dissolution profiles revealed different kinetic regimes including the dissolution of the intact coating, the dissolution of the nanometric Fe2Al5 intermetallic layer, and the corrosion of the steel substrate. The HER and Zn dissolution rates showed excellent agreement, and the amount of interfacial Fe and Al matched the predicted thickness of the Fe2Al5 intermetallic film, demonstrating the analytical capabilities of the AESEC technique.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Chen, Mingcheng Zhang, Kexin Zhang, Zhenyu Li, Xiao Liang, Xuan Ai, Xiaoxin Zou
Summary: This study systematically explores transition metal-silicon intermetallics to understand active site motifs and discover electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. Theoretical calculations show that silicon-rich structures provide opportunities for exposing highly active sites. Experimental synthesis of various silicides reveals the adverse effects of excessive silicon content. Finally, five transition metal-silicides are identified as highly active hydrogen-evolving electrocatalysts.
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Da Wang, Amanda Leong, Qiufeng Yang, Jinsuo Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the conditions that lead to severe aluminum corrosion and precipitation through long-term corrosion tests. The results show that significant precipitates are formed in buffered solutions with sodium tetraborate and trisodium phosphate at high pH. The presence of insulation materials effectively mitigates aluminum corrosion, and iron-enriched intermetallic particles embedded in the samples appear to facilitate precipitation.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Cecilia Monticelli, Federica Zanotto, Andrea Balbo, Vincenzo Grassi, Alberto Fabrizi, Giulio Timelli
Summary: This research examined the corrosion behavior and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of a high-pressure die-cast secondary AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution. Various testing methods revealed the presence of critical surface segregation zones, where strong corrosion attack occurred due to composition differences and peculiar morphology of noble Al2Cu phases. No SCC susceptibility was detected, but localized corrosion attack and hydrogen gas bubbling were observed at the interphases of noble phase/alpha-Al matrix.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Soumi Mondal, Shreya Sarkar, Debabrata Bagchi, Tisita Das, Risov Das, Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Ponnappa Kechanda Prasanna, C. P. Vinod, Sudip Chakraborty, Sebastian C. Peter
Summary: The discovery of novel materials for industrial-standard hydrogen production is crucial for global energy infrastructure. This study introduces a novel electrocatalyst, Pt3Ge, which shows enhanced hydrogen production and operational stability compared to the commercial catalyst platinum.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Hong Ju, Shufa Liu, Wei Zhang, Yuanfeng Yang, Jinzhuo Duan
Summary: The negative difference effect (NDE) in the anode hydrogen evolution process accompanied by pitting corrosion of aluminum was investigated using an electrochemical real-time data acquisition device. The relationship and electrochemical reaction characteristics linking pitting and hydrogen evolution of aluminum and AA2024 alloy in the presence of Cl- were revealed through the collection of electrochemical data and intuitive visualization of hydrogen evolution during the polarization process.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liwei Wang, Jianming Liang, Han Li, Lianjun Cheng, Zhongyu Cui
Summary: The research explored the stress corrosion cracking behavior of 2024-T351 and 7075-T651 in solution and thin electrolyte layer (TEL) through various tests. It was found that corrosion in TEL is more severe than in solution, with different levels of SCC susceptibility in the two alloys. The degradation in TEL is primarily dominated by corrosion-induced hydrogen, while the elongation loss in solution is controlled by the synergistic effect of stress, corrosion, and hydrogen.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiuquan Yao, Lei Wen, Zhigang Yu, Wei Guo, Feifei Huang, Yujie Qiang, Ying Jin
Summary: The corrosion behavior of 5A06 aluminum alloy in N2O4 was investigated, and the influence of immersion time was explored. XPS results confirmed the presence of corrosion products N-H and nitrate. Surface morphology analysis showed that corrosion mainly occurred around intermetallic compounds. The dissolution of the aluminum matrix and dealloying of magnesium were the reasons behind the corrosion. The study provides important insights into the corrosion mechanism of aluminum alloy in the N2O4 system.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shijie Shen, Huanhuan Zhang, Kai Song, Zongpeng Wang, Tongtong Shang, Ang Gao, Qinghua Zhang, Lin Gu, Wenwu Zhong
Summary: This research prepared novel LaNi1-xCoxRu intermetallics containing multiple d electrons, and found that the synergistic effect of these d electrons can enhance catalytic activity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jingwen Li, Min Song, Yezhou Hu, Chang Zhang, Wei Liu, Xiao Huang, Jingjing Zhang, Ye Zhu, Jian Zhang, Deli Wang
Summary: Despite the challenges posed by chloride corrosion in saline water, we have successfully developed a self-supported bimetallic phosphide electrode that exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and long-term stability in alkaline saline water. This work presents an effective approach for the fabrication of high-performance electrodes in alkaline saline environments.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yonglei Zhang, Yinghui Bian, Zichuan Lv, Yuqing Han, Meng-Chang Lin
Summary: This study reveals the reaction mechanism at the Al anode of aqueous electrolyte Al cells and investigates the effects of ASEI on their charge/discharge cycling stability and activity, demonstrating the importance of chloride anions in inducing aluminum corrosion.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zi-You Yu, Yu Duan, Xing-Yu Feng, Xingxing Yu, Min-Rui Gao, Shu-Hong Yu
Summary: The hydrogen economy has emerged as a promising alternative to the current hydrocarbon economy, involving the use of renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen for further utilization as clean fuel. Among various water electrolysis technologies, alkaline water splitting has been commercialized for over 100 years and is considered the most mature and economic option. Advanced nonprecious metal electrocatalysts have shown potential for improving the efficiency and stability of alkaline water splitting processes, with a focus on catalyst synthesis and performance improvement.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Louis Bailly-Salins, Leo Borrel, Wen Jiang, Benjamin W. Spencer, Koroush Shirvan, Adrien Couet
Summary: This study presents an updated C4 model for high-temperature corrosion, implemented with X-FEM in the MOOSE framework, allowing for accurate prediction of oxidation kinetics and phase layer growth under high temperatures. The model considers the finite thickness of the fuel cladding, accurately predicts the evolution of oxygen concentration profile, and enables evaluation of the remaining ductile thickness crucial for modeling the mechanical behavior of fuel cladding under LOCA. This implementation allows for direct coupling with mechanics, at a low computing cost, in finite-element-based nuclear fuel performance codes like BISON.
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Orestes Castillo-Hernandez, P. E. Manuel Perdomo-Ojeda, C. R. Grantom, Pamela F. Nelson
Summary: Incorporating specified safety and production targets during the design phase can reduce costs and enhance the competitiveness of nuclear power plants. This paper presents two methods for proposing unavailability targets for nuclear reactor systems to optimize the design features. The methods are applied to a hypothetical facility, providing a basis for future work on estimating design alternatives affecting unavailabilities.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Qinjun Fu, Andre Bergeron, Philippe Fillion, Yohan Davit, Michel Quintard
Summary: In normal operating conditions, the flow within a pressurized water reactor (PWR) core primarily moves in the axial direction along the fuel rods. However, in accidents situations, transverse flows can have a significant impact on the thermal-hydraulic properties of the core. This study develops macroscopic pressure drop models for different flow directions and Reynolds numbers and validates them by comparing with existing system code results.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Xiang Chai, Xinyue Liu, Chaoran Guan, Tengfei Zhang, Xiaojing Liu
Summary: Micro nuclear reactors have gained attention for their high efficiency and long lifetime, making them suitable for remote and off-grid locations. This study examines the effects of burnable poisons on the performance of a micro nuclear reactor and improves the design for reactivity control. The computational results show that burnable poisons reduce excess reactivity and power peaking factor without significant impact on core lifetime.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Liwei Chen, Cong Zhou, Yu Wang, Yiran Zong, Tingting Lu, Chunhua Chen
Summary: This paper proposes an autonomous search method for leakage sources in nuclear emergency rescue based on the updated Infotaxis method. By considering factors such as radioactive decay and wet deposition, the method improves search efficiency and accuracy. Experimental results show that the method is particularly effective in searching for leakage sources under high emission rates and provides scientific information for early emergency response and consequence assessment.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Kirill S. Dolganov
Summary: This paper is the first part of a summary overview of IBRAE's work on the severe accident at Unit 1 of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. It focuses on the integral model of Unit 1 and its qualification with available data, including the comparison of simulation results with measurements for the initial phase of the accident. Important issues discussed include the direct modeling of isolation condenser performance and verification of the possibility to use an integral approach to estimate the nuclide inventory in the core.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
F. Feria, C. Aguado, J. Benavides, J. Benavides, R. Canencia-Hernanz, M. Cristobal-Beneyto, J. Fernandez Garcia, H. Galan, C. Gonzalez, A. Hernandez-Avellaneda, L. E. Herranz, G. Jimenez, L. Martinez, J. C. Martinez-Murillo, A. Milena-Perez, A. Palacio Alonso, J. Penalva, R. Plaza, D. Perez-Gallego, L. Rey, N. Rodriguez-Villagra, J. Ruiz-Hervias, J. Saiz de Omenaca Tijero, P. Vinas-Pena
Summary: The Spanish R&D efforts in dry interim storage of spent nuclear fuel mainly focus on supporting safety under storage and transportation. Experimental and modelling activities are carried out to understand and predict the fuel response, with major outcomes being improvements in the characterization of dry stored fuel, essential for safety assessment of the back-end fuel cycle.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Ang Li, Yuqing Chen, Yuxian Rao, Qi Cai, Cong Wang
Summary: This paper focuses on the boiling heat transfer model of mini-channels casing-pipes once-through steam generator (MCOTSG). By calibrating and analyzing the different nucleate boiling heat transfer models based on steady state experimental results, the secondary loop heat transfer characteristics and overall operating characteristics of OTSG under feedwater flow rate reduction are simulated. The results can provide a basis for the safety analysis and optimal design of MCOTSG and small modular reactor under low flow rate conditions.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Shu Soma, Masahiro Ishigaki, Satoshi Abe, Yasuteru Sibamoto
Summary: In this paper, the analytical wall function approach was applied to analyze the condensation flow of steam/air mixtures, and good predictions were obtained through CFD analysis.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Jinho Song, Sungjoong Kim
Summary: In this study, a machine learning platform is proposed to assist operators in diagnosing the progression of severe accidents and predicting key parameters using long short term memory networks and MELCOR simulation data. The platform shows reasonable accuracy in predicting both similar and unseen test data, as well as lost signals and key parameters for accident management.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Liang Zhao, Zhengbai Chang, Chulin Mai, Hong Ran, Jin Jiang
Summary: This study investigates the dynamic characteristics, valve disc motion, and flow field of a nozzle check valve under different spring stiffness and fluid deceleration rates. Experimental tests and numerical simulations were performed to analyze the effects on various parameters during the dynamic closing process of the valve. The results provide insights for the optimization design of check valves and more accurate calculation of their dynamic characteristic curves.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Xun Lan, Yanbo Jiang, Dan Sun, Wenbo Liu, Wenjie Li
Summary: In this study, a three-dimensional phase-field model was developed to investigate the evolution of intergranular bubbles during irradiation. The study examined the dependency of bubble percolation on bubble shape, fission rate, and average grain size. The simulation results revealed the significant effects of these factors on the shape of GB bubbles, the percolation rate, and the connectivity threshold of GB bubbles.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
J. M. S. Mendes, A. Heimlich, A. M. M. De Lima, F. C. Silva
Summary: An algorithm for solving the constitutive equations of the fourth-order Nodal Expansion Method (NEM) in parallel using GPU with quadratic transverse leakage has been proposed. The algorithm, implemented in CUDA language, showed comparable accuracy and reduced execution time compared to the CNFR code. This algorithm and the developed program have potential use in the optimization process of nuclear fuel reload patterns.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
M. Jafari, H. Jafari, M. H. Choopan Dastjerdi, J. Mokhtari
Summary: This study investigates the ability of the PGNAA facility of the Isfahan MNSR reactor to measure boron concentration in solution samples. A measurement system model is developed using Monte Carlo calculation, and a cadmium sheet is used to reduce the effect of boron in the shield. The accuracy of the model is verified through experimental tests, resulting in a calibration curve.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Ibrahim Gad-el-Hak, Njuki Mureithi, Kostas Karazis, Brian Painter
Summary: This study investigates the risk of fluidelastic instability induced by degraded baffle-former bolts in a nuclear fuel assembly. Experimental results show that the stability threshold of the mock-up array strongly depends on the relative position of the jet flow with respect to the array centerline, and axial flow velocity also has a significant effect on the jet-induced instability.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Yuhang Niu, Scolaro Alessandro, Carlo Fiorina, Hao Qin, Gauthier Lazare, Yingwei Wu, Wenxi Tian, G. H. Su
Summary: This paper presents the incorporation of DNB prediction into the GeN-Foam code, which is based on OpenFOAM. The accuracy of GeN-Foam in modeling DNB conditions in PWR was assessed through validation against experimental data and other codes. The results show that GeN-Foam exhibits good performance in simulating two-phase flow boiling conditions and accurately predicts the occurrence of DNB.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2024)