The continued operation of current nuclear power plants and the success of advanced nuclear energy concepts rests largely on the ability to manage materials in environments characterized by high temperature, corrosive media, irradiation and external stress.  The challenge is not only the numerous components of the extreme environments but also their simultaneity. Irradiation is known to enhance corrosion and stress corrosion cracking in high temperature water and to induce irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC), which is perhaps one of the most challenging degradation modes as it is a function of alloy composition, temperature and dose.  All three parameters affect the microstructure through the formation of dislocation loops, hardening, changes in deformation mode and grain boundary segregation.  These changes occur simultaneously and at comparable rates, and all are considered as potential causes of IASCC.  This talk will begin with the characterization of the reactor environment, followed by a brief overview of degradation due to irradiation and corrosion, and then a treatment of the combined effect of irradiation and corrosion on SCC in high temperature water.  Special attention will be given to the simultaneity of multiple degradation modes and the challenges presented in their study.


Dr. Was’s Bio
Professor Was is the Walter J. Weber, Jr. Professor of Sustainable Energy, Environmental and Earth Systems Engineering and holds appointments in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, and Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan.  He has held positions as Director of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute, Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Chair of the Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences Department.  Professor Was’ research is focused on materials for advanced nuclear energy systems and radiation materials science, including environmental effects on materials, radiation effects, ion beam surface modification of materials and nuclear fuels. He is a Fellow of ASM International, NACE International and the American Nuclear Society.   Professor Was has published over 170 technical articles in referred, archival journals, presented over 250 conference papers, delivered 85 invited seminars and talks, and has recently published a graduate level textbook on Radiation Materials Science. Professor Was received the Presidential Young Investigator award from NSF, the Champion H. Matthewson Award from TMS, the Outstanding and Special Achievement Awards by the Materials Science and Technology Division of the American Nuclear Society and the Henry Marion Howe Medal from ASM.

   [loc]Hill Conference Room[/loc]