Grant: Alliance Grants

Our research will enhance the understanding of how materials behave under extreme conditions in the context of next-generation nuclear reactors called Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The project will involve a combination of experimental and computational efforts. On the computational side, we will focus on improving a computer code called the kinetic Activation Relaxation Technique. This code simulates how materials respond to radiation damage over timescale inaccessible to traditional codes more commonly used by the scientific community. A team from Queen's and Université de Montréal will rewrite the code to make it more versatile and user-friendly. This will help us understand long-term behavior of materials in SMRs, therefore potentially accelerating their qualification process. On the experimental side, at Queen's University, we will conduct experiments using proton irradiation to study the effects on various materials. We will analyze the samples' microstructure and mechanical properties using advanced techniques, and validate the output of the computer simulations. Additionally, we will collaborate with MIT to study samples using specialized characterization methods. Throughout the project, we will collaborate closely with experts from NRCan, CanmetMATERIALS and the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. They will provide valuable input, resources, and support. We will also organize workshops and meetings to exchange ideas and ensure the code development aligns with industry needs. This research will contribute to the development of safer and more efficient SMRs by providing valuable insights into material performance under extreme conditions, and providing an enhanced scientific understanding of the underlying processes, potentially accelerating deployment of SMRs by several years.