SharePoint

Skip Navigation LinksFY16 RandD Awards

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​FY 2016 Research and Development Awards

The Energy Department is awarding over $35.5 million through its Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP) to support 48 university-led nuclear energy research and development projects to develop innovative technologies and solutions. These projects will be led by 31 U.S. universities in 24 states.

A complete list of R&D projects with their associated abstracts is available below.

NEUP 2016 R&D Award Abstracts
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Description
  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10375_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10375.pdf
16
Clemson UniversityResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

Researchers will develop an interactive energy evaluation tool that puts the general public in the role of an energy manager to engage them in understanding the impact of choices made in different nuclear fuel cycles, as well as several other energy cycles (e.g., coal, solar, wind, hydro, biomass). The tool will utilize the DOE Nuclear Fuel Cycle Options Catalog to emphasize different viable fuel cycle options. ​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10730_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract-16-10730.pdf
16
Colorado School of MinesResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

Researchers will develop a web based visualization tool for comparing current and future nuclear fuel cycle options to other low-carbon and conventional energy technologies in the United States.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10679_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10679.pdf
16
Colorado School of MinesResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

The ALSEP process for group separations of trivalent actinide/lanthanide ions suffers from slow stripping kinetics. Researchers will perform detailed kinetic studies at different temperatures, supported by spectroscopic and computational studies to establish where the kinetic bottlenecks occur in the ALSEP process. They will then systematically alter the chemistry of the extractants and aqueous ligands to understand how to overcome the kinetic hindrances.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10058_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractCFA-16-10058.pdf
16
Columbia University in the City of New YorkResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

Researchers will improve understanding of the thermal-mechanical-hydrologic-chemical (TMHC) coupling effect on reconsolidated granular (or crushed) salt-clay mixture used for seal systems of shafts and drifts in salt repositories. The project will integrate laboratory experiments and multiscale pore-to-continuum coupling simulations to explore the feasibility of using clay additive and moisture content to enhance performance of crushed salt as a seal material.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10088_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractCFA-16-10088.pdf
16
Florida International UniversityResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

Researchers will separate Am from high-level waste by exploiting the high oxidation states of Am through design, and testing of new materials. This will be accomplished by designing and testing new electrodes, derivatized with surface-stabilized ligands and redox mediators to facilitate oxidation of trivalent Am, and by designing porous sorbent materials functionalized with molecules which selectively coordinate Am(VI) to enable its subsequent separation.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10668_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFAAbstract16-10668.pdf
16
North Carolina State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

Researchers will characterize steam attack, hydrothermal corrosion and radiation swelling of SiC/SiC composites-based accident tolerant fuel (ATF) using a combination of experiments, microstructure evaluation and phase-field simulations using MARMOT. Central to the project is the mapping of the microstructure after steam/hydrothermal/irradiation tests through a unique non-destructive x-ray microscopy technique followed by phase-field simulations of chemical transport in MARMOT.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10221_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFASummary2016-10221.pdf
16
Ohio State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

Researchers will develop alloying agents to stabilize lanthanides against fuel cladding chemical interactions (FCCIs). Based on the available binary phase diagrams for the periodic table, Te and Sb are selected as fuel dopants. The research will focus on Te. The mechanisms of using minor additives to stabilize and immobilize the lanthanide fission products will be investigated. Resulting thermodynamic data obtained by the proposed research will be integrated into MARMOT to enhance its ability to model metallic fuel performance.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10667_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10667.pdf
16
Pennsylvania State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

Researchers will use carefully controlled experiments with modeling and simulation in the MARMOT tool to better understand the behavior of uranium silicide (U-Si) fuel in Light Water Reactors (LWRs). The team will study grain growth, amorphization, and grain subdivision behaviors in U3Si2 fuel in LWR conditions. ​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10821_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10821.pdf
16
Purdue UniversityResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

Researchers will use a science-based approach to capture the connections between U and UZr alloys’ microstructure, thermal properties, and mechanical properties through closely coordinated experiments and modeling efforts from both unirradiated and irradiated fuels.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10648_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10648.pdf
16
Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$400,000

Researchers will develop oxidation/corrosion resistant uranium silicide U3Si2 fuel by chemical doping/fillers to form a continuous borosilicate glass as a protective oxide layer with transformational fuel performance and accident tolerance. The team will use chemical doping/fillers include B or C showing effectiveness in improving high temperature oxidation resistance in transition metal silicides, and boron/silicon-containing compounds that can form a protective borosilicate glass layer.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10229_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10229.pdf
16
Syracuse UniversityResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

This project is focused on understanding the mechanisms of aging processes on silver exchanged mordenite and silver functionalized silica aerogel adsorbents under conditions of long term exposure to off gas streams containing air, I2, H2O, and NOx. The chemical and physical structural changes of the adsorbents under these conditions will be accounted for in equilibrium and kinetic models. Transport models will be developed to predict the performance of engineered off-gas treatment systems.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10394_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractRPA-16-10394.pdf
16
University of Colorado, BoulderResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$799,695

Researchers will show that gamma-ray spectroscopy based on emerging microcalorimeter sensors can determine elemental and isotopic fractions with accuracy comparable to much slower mass spectrometry and with far better accuracy than germanium sensors. This advance will prevent the diversion of nuclear material by enabling nearly real time process monitoring in large nuclear facilities without loss of measurement accuracy.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10523_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractCFA-16-10523.pdf
16
University of IdahoResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

The project aims to use a science-based approach to set guidelines of selecting dopants for developing fuel cladding chemical interaction (FCCI)-resistant metallic fuel systems for fast reactors. Lanthanide fission products migrate to the fuel-cladding gap leading to cladding breaches. The team will perform both theoretical modeling and experiments to arrive at the guidelines that are based on sound science. If successful, this can lead to breakthroughs in minimizing the FCCI effect.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10813_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATecnicalAbstract10813.pdf
16
University of IdahoResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$350,000

Researchers will use unique capabilities to modulate the electrodeposition of actinides (depleted Uranium) and fission products (Ln) during nucleation and growth stages. The team aims to preclude formation of electrodeposits with dendritic morphology. Morphology of electrodeposits will be controlled by electrolyte composition.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10707_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10707.pdf
16
University of Nevada, RenoResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$369,221

The research team will address two major issues in the pyroprocess based fuel cycle: low process efficiency and materials accounting for non-proliferation. There are currently no analytical techniques to ascertain the speciation and concentration of the actinides in the electrolyte. This project aims to develop an in-situ analytical method consisting of Raman spectroscopic analysis during electrochemical polarization.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10204_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10204.pdf
16
University of South CarolinaResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$799,946

Researchers will develop phase equilibria and thermochemical information to model and simulate advanced fuel behavior, including critical phenomena such as the contribution to fuel swelling of dissolved non-noble fission products and secondary phase formation, composite fuel stability, and fuel-clad chemical interactions.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10512_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10512.pdf
16
University of South CarolinaResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$799,956

Modeling of the nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) is often posed as a set of demands coupled with available technologies. Demands may be singular or multivariate. Additionally, available technologies may have constraints on when they are deployable. This proposal aims to bring demand and deployment decisions into the NFC simulator itself, thereby simulating a more realistic process by which utilities, governments, and other stakeholders actually make facility deployment decisions.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10856_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10856.pdf
16
University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$800,000

The SSPM Echem tracks elemental and bulk material flows through batch operations in electrochemical facilities. This project will augment the existing SSPM Echem model with models of DA, NDA, and process monitoring measurements, including appropriate accuracy, noise, and uncertainty characteristics. Diverse measurement and assay results will be fused to improve material accountancy and anomaly detection across the electrochemical process.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10190_TechnicalAbstract_2016_CFA_TechnicalAbstract_16-10190.pdf
16
University of UtahResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$799,315

The primary objective of the project is the development of a new glass-bonded waste form for the suitable disposal of electrorefiner waste salt. To achieve this goal, the proposed tasks will focus on the 1) dechlorination of the electrorefiner salt and 2) subsequent encapsulation into a sintered waste form. Achieving these goals will result in a compact waste form with higher fission product loading, which is instrumental in economically closing the nuclear fuel cycle.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10445_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10445.pdf
16
University of UtahResearch and DevelopmentFuel Cycle Research and Development$798,971

Researchers will address the urgent need for a comprehensive and scalable visual analytics solution to facilitate analysis of simulation results. The team will develop a system that is cross-platform, support advanced computational workflows data analysis and can be tailored to both advanced and novice users. Specifically, the research will include: 1) A distributed web-based visual analytics system, 2) High-dimensional parametric analysis of ensemble of simulation runs, and 3) An extensible fuel cycle metrics framework.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10240_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFAAbstract10240.pdf
16
University of California, BerkeleyResearch and DevelopmentMission Supporting Transformative Research: Integral Benchmark Evaluations$400,000

​The objective of this project is to employ the data archive on the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) and develop a set of high-quality Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) reactor physics benchmarks for inclusion in the IRPhE Handbook that currently does not contain any benchmark set related to MSR technology.​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10458_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10458.pdf
16
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyResearch and DevelopmentNuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS)$800,000

Researchers will develop and implement rigorous methods for generating multi-group transport cross section and diffusion coefficients for deterministic reactor models using Monte Carlo calculations. The project will eliminate the numerous approximations that currently contribute to significant mis-prediction of core power distributions when using deterministic core models.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10241_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractCFA-16-10241.pdf
16
Purdue UniversityResearch and DevelopmentNuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS)$800,000

​Researchers will develop efficient transient transport methods for the PROTEUS-SN, PROTEUS-MOC and the first-order SN solvers of the NEAMS neutronics code PROTEUS. The team will also perform transient benchmark analyses.​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10603_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractCFA-16-10603.pdf
16
Texas A&M UniversityResearch and DevelopmentNuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS)$800,000

Researchers will conduct a coordinated experimental and computational effort to quantitatively map the full-field 3-D velocity and temperature fields in the interstitial spaces within pebble bed reactor systems. Key outcomes will include advanced correlations to predict flow and thermal transport within the pebble bed over a much wider range operating conditions and reactor types than is currently possible.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10421_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractCFA-16-10421.pdf
16
University of ArizonaResearch and DevelopmentNuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS)$675,000

Researchers will develop a methodology that includes the appropriate governing physical fields within the realm of peridynamics to investigate fuel cracking, fragmentation, relocation, ballooning, pellet-cladding interaction, and cladding rapture and dispersion within the MOOSE framework.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10313_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10313.pdf
16
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentNuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS)$799,817

​Researchers will develop a comprehensive, high-resolution two-phase flow database by performing experiments in two air-water two-phase flow test facilities and a new heated rod-bundle test facility that will be built under this project. These data will be used to validate the two-phase flow models implemented in the NEK-2P code.​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10744_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10744.pdf
16
Ohio State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentNuclear Energy: Cyber Security R&D$800,000

This project addresses the need for research informing plant engineers and control room operators faced with cyber-security threats on appropriate responses. The approach taken uses distinguishing features of safety related events versus cyber-security threats; attack modeling, prediction, game theory and PRA knowledge to update operators procedures; and simulation for validation.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10578_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractCFA16-10578.pdf
16
Georgia Institute of TechnologyResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

Researchers will utilize both experimental and computational methods to test and model transient behavior of a mock up PCHE, which is a scaled down representation of the sCO2, cycle high temperature recuperator (HTR). In addition, the team will develop a methodology for quantification of the PCHEs production cost. The proposed project will provide valuable experiment data required to develop the Section III, Division 5 and Section VIII evaluation approach for compact heat exchangers.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10579_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10579.pdf
16
Kansas State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$799,320

Researchers will use Thermographic Imaging and Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (UDV) techniques to generate high fidelity thermal stratification and flow field data under various geometric and physical conditions for scaled models of outlet plena in sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs). Data from these experimental studies will be compared with those obtained using 1D codes such as SAS4A/SASSYS-1.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10714_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10714.pdf
16
North Carolina State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$799,998

Researchers will develop structural design methodologies for Type 316H stainless steel and Alloy 617 compact heat exchangers (CHX) using elastic-perfectly plastic (EPP) analysis methodology for the assessment of elevated temperature failure modes under sustained and cyclic thermal and pressure loading. The project will develop a technical basis for Section III, Division 5 ASME Code Case for CHX in high temperature nuclear service.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10885_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10885.pdf
16
North Carolina State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$564,520

Researchers seek to advance EMP design efforts for liquid metal reactors by 1.) Improving MHD modeling capability, particularly near the MHD stability criteria, 2.) Advancing simulation accuracy and fidelity in the typical operating range of large electromagnetic pumps for liquid metal cooled reactors, and 3.) Constructing a low barrier EMP test loop for model validation and instruction that can be easily replicated at low cost at other facilities.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10244_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10244.pdf
16
Oregon State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$799,536

​Researchers will conduct eight new tests be completed at the HTTF investigating a range of gas reactor events including DCC, PCC, and inlet plenum buoyant plume mixing. The data from these tests will be ideal for use in the validation of safety analysis codes used in gas reactor analysis. The data may also provide valuable insight into the validation of CFD codes for gas-reactor applications.​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10324_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10324.pdf
16
Oregon State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

Researchers will develop a design method for rapid structural assessment of diffusion-bonded Hybrid Compact Heat Exchangers, used as secondary heat exchangers in coupling Sodium Fast Reactors (SFRs) with supercritical CO2 (sCO2) Brayton power cycles. The team envisions that the developed method will (1) be usable in creation of an ASME code case for structural assessment of hybrid CHX; and (2) create design tools that ensure CHX code compliance under desired load conditions.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10285_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractRPA-16-10285.pdf
16
Purdue UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

Researchers will develop a mechanistic understanding of accelerated fretting, wear, and bonding between Alloy 800H and Inconel 617 surfaces. In order to achieve the objectives, a series of tribological experiments will be conducted in helium environments at elevated temperature with controlled concentrations of gaseous specious, attendant microstructure characterization (using electron microscopy, spectroscopy and atom-probe tomography), and validated continuum models.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10245_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10245.pdf
16
Texas A&M UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

Researchers will extend and enhance the experimental tests using existing water-cooled RCCS facilities. The activity will be conducted in close collaboration with the water-cooled NSTF research team and will produce a unique set of high quality experimental data for support of existing system codes, system codes under development, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10457_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10457.pdf
16
Texas A&M UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

Researchers will conduct novel 3D concrete creep tests under controlled environmental conditions to build a 3D constitutive model for concrete typical of existing containment structures. Decades long creep will be extracted via shorter tests (years long). The material model will be used in the Grizzly structural FEM code for simulating the response of real, 3D containment structures to changes in loading. Full-scale, long-term structural tests will enable validation.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10732_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractRPA-16-10732.pdf
16
Texas A&M UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$773,808

Researchers will systematically evaluate the tribological response of 800H and 617 alloys in simulated HTGR/VHTRs He at relevant reactor operating temperatures (700-950°C). These studies will (1) provide the foundation for understanding the tribological performance of Ni based alloys in high temperature gas cooled reactor environment, paving the way for the forthcoming addition of Alloy 617, and (2) suggest solutions to mitigate tribological problems with these materials.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10687_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractRPA-16-10687.pdf
16
University of California, BerkeleyResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

​Researchers will develop powerful codes for predicting environmentally-assisted localized corrosion in the primary coolant circuits (PCCs) of Generation II BWRs and PWRs. These codes and resulting models will be embedded into GRIZZLY. This will greatly extend the applicability of GRIZZLY to components in PCCs that are susceptible to pitting corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and corrosion fatigue and will provide the stress intensity factor solutions for the crack growth rate models.​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10083_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10083.pdf
16
University of California, DavisResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$400,000

Researchers will develop breakthrough efficiencies in segmented radioisotope thermal generators (RTG) power conversion systems through high temperature materials development. The approach will also reduce reliance on single-purpose supply chains.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10630_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10630.pdf
16
University of Illinois, Urbana ChampaignResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$799,368

​Researcher will aid in the development of RELAP-7 through required experimental and computational efforts. The validation of the two-phase modeling capability of RELAP-7 will be accomplished through a series of tasks which include synthesis of existing forced convective data, acquisition of natural circulation data from an existing well-scaled facility, and uncertainty quantification in constitutive modeling.​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10402_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10402.pdf
16
University of Massachusetts, LowellResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

​Researchers will develop new thermal hydraulic models that will be implemented into RELAP-7. Simulation studies will be performed for postulated ELAP scenarios in the PB Unit 2 reactor. The overarching goal of the proposed work is to perform a simulation study using RELAP-7, to model BWR ELAP scenarios with various mitigation measures and determine the range of time available for transition to portable FLEX equipment.​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10080_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10080.pdf
16
University of Minnesota, DuluthResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

​The degradation of medium and low voltage cabling is often associated with aqueous immersion. Electrical and mechanical data will be collected to develop a mechanistic model of the degradation of cabling to dielectric breakdown based on the temperature, oxidation, water conditions, and irradiation dose. The hypothesized model begins with solvent escape paths that expand and advance from the exterior surface toward the current carrying core at a rate dependent on the environment.​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10214_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10214.pdf
16
University of Nebraska, LincolnResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

Researchers will develop an online health monitoring system that integrates active and passive sensor networks and advanced signal processing algorithms to monitor ASR induced degradation in concrete structures. The obtained information will support an ongoing prognostic modeling research for health diagnosis and prognosis of aging concrete structures, in order to support long-term operational and maintenance decision making.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10210_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10210.pdf
16
University of Wisconsin, MadisonResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

Researchers will work to understand, quantify, and model the elevated-temperature tribological behavior of alloys 617 and 800H in helium gas in HTGR conditions. Impurities in helium can induce a variety of corrosion mechanisms in structural materials that can profoundly affect tribological behavior. This study will investigate tribological behavior in various impurity concentration regimes and surface treatments to mitigate tribological damage in these environments.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10226_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10226.pdf
16
University of Wisconsin, MadisonResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$799,856

This project is aimed at the improvement of EM pumps for advanced liquid metal cooled reactors specifically the SFR. Initial tests will be conducted in the University of Wisconsin sodium loop on an existing moving magnet pump to help in the development of the models and to look at end effects associated with this pump. Additionally, tests will be conducted at ANL on the CMI ALIP. Ultimately, a small ALIP will be developed to test the principles and models developed to improve commercial scale.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10268_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract16-10268.pdf
16
University of Wisconsin, MadisonResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$799,076

This project will look at very low Prandtl number heat transfer from both an experimental and computational approach. Researchers will then establish key models to implement in plant dynamics codes. The team will also evaluate thermal stratification in large volumes making use of novel fiber optic distributed fiber measurements to get CFD quality data. Lastly, the team will evaluate some of the key remaining safety issues associated with the eventual commercialization of the sodium fast reactor.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10647_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstractRPA16-10647.pdf
16
University of Wisconsin, MadisonResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$400,000

Researchers will make recommendations for design features of salt-reactor components that would take advantage of the phenomena characteristic to fluoride salts in order to be resilient to overcooling, and to recover gracefully from over-cooling transients. In support of this task a MOOSE-based computational tool will be developed, capable of modeling liquid-solid phase change, backed by experimental studies with the prototypical (flibe) coolant, and with simulant fluids.​​

  
https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/FY%202016%20Abstracts/Research%20and%20Development/CFA-16-10509_TechnicalAbstract_2016CFATechnicalAbstract10509.pdf
16
Utah State UniversityResearch and DevelopmentReactor Concepts Research Development and Demonstration (RCRD&D)$800,000

Researchers will generate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation data for forced, mixed, and natural convection through a parallel-path geometry relevant to gas reactor bypass flow. In addition, the team will independently build and validate CFD models based on the experimental results. The team has the experience and existing infrastructure for sharing complete validation datasets.​​

*Actual project funding will be established during the award negotiation phase.​

Research & Development (R&D)