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DOE OSTI · 3384974

Effects of high-dose neutron irradiation at light-water reactor relevant temperature on the mechanical properties of SiC/SiC composites

Jimba, Yuki [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000210651056)·Koyanagi, Takaaki [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000172724049)·Katoh, Yutai [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000194945862)
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Abstract

For this study, the neutron dose-dependent evolutions and the underlying mechanisms of properties of SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites at a temperature relevant to light-water reactors (∼600 K) were investigated and analyzed. Chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) SiC/SiC composites reinforced with Hi-Nicalon Type S or Tyranno SA3 fiber were neutron-irradiated to doses up to 30 dpa. The irradiated composites retained their flexural strengths. The thermal diffusivity and dimensional changes were mostly retained from 2.0 to 30.2 dpa. Discrepancies in irradiation responses among CVI SiC/SiC composites from different sources were found. Additional microstructural analysis using Raman spectroscopy and numerical analysis on irradiation effect on residual stress were used to explain how the microstructural variables, especially of carbon interphases, affect the mechanical properties in the 30–40 dpa dose range.

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Continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix compositeFiber/matrix interfaceLight-water reactorNeutron irradiationSilicon carbide

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Jimba, Yuki [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000210651056), Koyanagi, Takaaki [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000172724049), Katoh, Yutai [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)] (ORCID:0000000194945862). 2026-10-01. Effects of high-dose neutron irradiation at light-water reactor relevant temperature on the mechanical properties of SiC/SiC composites. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2026.156869

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Continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite subjectFiber/matrix interface subjectLight-water reactor subjectNeutron irradiation subject

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