Mechanical Property Characterization and Radiation Resistant Design of Nuclear Structural Materials under Ion Irradiation

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About this Research Topic

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Background

The on-going development of modern science and technology in the fields of nuclear power system requires the service of engineering structural materials under extreme environments, e.g. high energy particle irradiation. Under these conditions, the deformation mechanisms of materials’ microstructures will be dramatically modified due to the effect of irradiation-induced defects. In order to obtain a sophisticated comprehension of the fundamental deformation mechanisms, it has now been widely considered by combining ion irradiation and small scale research methods. From the aspects of experimental observations, numerical simulations and theoretical analysis, increasing attentions have been focused on this field at different time and spatial scales. Furthermore, it is also critically essential to improve the mechanical responses through materials optimization design, therefore, the application of interface engineering and alloying design has also become a research hotspot in this field.

This Research Topic will focus on the mechanical characterization of ion-irradiated metallic materials with different small scale research methods, and cover the fields of irradiation hardening, embrittlement, creep and fatigue. This research topic will also help inform the researchers in the field of mechanics, materials and irradiation damage with the state-of-the-art information and development of the irradiation effect on the materials properties of metallic materials at various time and spatial scales. This research topic will explore the potential techniques and methods (e.g., the addition of alloying elements or the introduction of interfaces at micro-scale) for the effectively alleviation of irradiation damage and help develop the next generation of irradiation-resistant materials.

Both original research and review articles with the scope of this topic are welcomed. Potential topics include, but are not limited to the following:
• Novel developments of experimental tools, simulation methods and theoretical models for the mechanical characterization and mechanism analysis of traditional materials under ion environments.
• Equivalence analysis between ion irradiation and neutron irradiation from the aspects of mechanical properties, like materials strength and creep behaviors, etc.
• Novel methods for the resistance of irradiation damage, e.g. the introduction of various types and contents of alloying elements, and the fabrication of materials containing high ratios of interfaces, like grain boundaries for nano-crystals and twin boundaries for nano-twinned polycrystals.
• The comparison of various types of small scale mechanical testing methods for ion-irradiated materials, like micro-pillar compression and nano-indentation.

Keywords: Ion Irradiation, Metallic materials, Mechanical properties, Radiation resistance

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