Temperature-dependent deformation behavior of dual-phase medium-entropy alloy; In-situ neutron diffraction study

Gu, G. H.*; Jeong, S. G.*; Heo, Y.-U.*; Harjo, S.; Gong, W.; Cho, J.*; Kim, H. S.*; 他4名*

Journal of Materials Science & Technology, 223, p.308 - 324, 2025/07

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2024.11.057

Face-centered cubic (FCC) equi-atomic multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) exhibit excellent mechanical properties from cryogenic to room temperatures. At room temperature, deformation is dominated by dislocation slip, while at cryogenic temperatures (CTs), reduced stacking fault energy enhances strain hardening with twinning. This study uses in-situ neutron diffraction to analyze the temperature-dependent deformation behavior of Al(CoNiV), a dual-phase (FCC/BCC) medium-entropy alloy (MEA). At liquid nitrogen temperature (LNT), deformation twinning in the FCC matrix leads to additional strain hardening through the dynamic Hall-Petch effect, giving the appearance of improved strengthening at LNT. In contrast, BCC precipitates show dislocation slip at both 77 K and 298 K, with temperature-dependent lattice friction stress playing a significant role in strengthening. The study enhances understanding of deformation behaviors and provides insights for future alloy design.

In situ neutron diffraction study of strain evolution and load partitioning during elevated temperature tensile test in HIP-Treated electron beam powder bed fusion manufactured Ti-6Al-4V

Pandian, K.*; Neikter, M.*; Ekh, M.*; Harjo, S.; 川崎 卓郎; Woracek, R.*; Hansson, T.*; Pederson, R.*

JOM, 77(4), p.1803 - 1815, 2025/04

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-025-07128-1

To produce dense Ti-6Al-4V components, electron beam powder bed fusion is typically followed by post-heat treatment like hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Standard HIP at 920C/100 MPa for 2 h coarsens the microstructure and reduces yield strength, while low-temp HIP at 800C/200 MPa for 2 h limits coarsening and retains strength comparable to as-built material. A coarser microstructure negatively affects tensile properties. Tensile tests at various temperatures suggest that thermally activated slip systems may influence elongation, requiring further study. In situ neutron time-of-flight diffraction during tensile loading enables analysis of strain evolution and slip plane activity. A two-phase elastic-plastic self-consistent model was used to compare with experiments. Results show basal slip {0002} activated at 20C, pyramidal slip {10-11} at 350C, and phase carrying higher stress than in the plastic regime.

JRR-3利用申請システムRING (Research Information NaviGator)の拡張

阿部 一英

JAEA-Review 2024-065, 26 Pages, 2025/03

JAEA-Review-2024-065.pdf:2.55MB

日本原子力研究開発機構が保有する試験研究炉「JRR-3」は、令和3年2月26日に約10年ぶりに運転を再開した。この研究炉は供用施設として運営されており、外部からの利用者も受け入れている。利用課題の提案から成果報告書の提出までの手続きは、オンラインシステム「JRR-3 RING(Research Information NaviGator)」(https://jrr3ring.jaea.go.jp/)を通じて行われる。RINGは、課題申請、スケジュール調整、データ共有、成果報告までを一括して管理できるシステムであり、供用再開に向けた整備が進められてきた。RINGは特にビーム利用ユーザーの利便性を重視して設計されており、申請手続きの簡略化やスケジュール調整の柔軟性向上、データ管理機能の強化が特徴である。このシステムの導入によりユーザーは効率的かつ安全に研究を進めることが可能になった。今後JRR-3は国内外の多様な研究者に利用される中性子研究のプラットフォームとしての役割を拡大していく。供用再開とRINGの拡張は、中性子利用研究の活性化に寄与し、産業界や学術界との連携を推進する重要な一歩である。今回、新たに整備された機能や今後の展望について、報告する。

Measurements of neutron capture cross-section for nuclides of interest in decommissioning (II); Fe(n,)Fe

中村 詔司; 芝原 雄司*; 遠藤 駿典; Rovira Leveroni, G.; 木村 敦

Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 62(3), p.300 - 307, 2025/03

https://doi.org/10.1080/00223131.2024.2427244

As nuclear facilities are dismantled in decommissioning, large amount of various waste is generated. Even more inconveniently, waste is radioactive due to neutron activation. Thus, the neutron capture cross-sections of nuclides targeted in decommissioning are required to evaluate the radioactivity produced. In this work, Fe nuclide was selected among objective nuclides for decommissioning, and its thermal-neutron capture cross-section was measured by a neutron activation method at the graphite thermal column of Kyoto University Research Reactor in 5-MW operation. The thermal-neutron capture cross-section was derived using s convention. The present work obtained 1.360.03 barns for the Fe(n,)Fe reaction. The present result supports the JENDL-5 evaluation within 2. If updated with currently recommended nuclear data, some of the reported past data would support the present result.

Monte Carlo and experimental assessment of the optimal geometry of the source and collimator for a table-top NRTA system for small nuclear material measurement

Guembou Shouop, C. J.; 土屋 晴文

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 1072, p.170189_1 - 170189_14, 2025/03

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.170189

The development of a compact mobile neutron resonance transmission analysis (NRTA) instrument is in progress for measuring nuclear materials in the field of nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear security. The present paper focuses on research/developments on designing the source, moderators and shielding for the table-top NRTA system utilising a Cf spontaneous neutron. To this end, three source configurations were assessed using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations-based Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) by evaluating each configuration's neutron/gamma fluxes. Experimental validation of the MC simulation was conducted using an EJ270 plastic scintillation detector, a Bq Cf source, and a thin In sample. The Monte Carlo simulations and experimental results confirmed that an optimal configuration for the table-top NRTA system involves sandwiching the Cf source between the polyethylene (PE) moderator (PE closer to the detector) and the W reflector. Furthermore, the MC simulations showed that resonance dips from NatU and Pu (energy lines of 1.06 and 2.60 eV of Pu and 0.30 eV of Pu) can be observed in the Time-of-Flight spectra obtained using the table-top NRTA system with an appropriate collimator for a small pellet sample. The preliminary experimental results with a 2 mm thick In sample displayed the 1.46 eV resonance dip of In, showing that the table-top NRTA system using a Cf neutron source can measure TOF spectra and observe dips caused by low energy resonances in a sample. These findings suggest the system is well-suited for measuring small pellet samples of Pu and U.

Revealing an origin of temperature-dependent structural change in intrinsically disordered proteins

井上 倫太郎*; 小田 隆; 中川 洋; 富永 大輝*; 池上 貴久*; 小沼 剛*; 岩瀬 裕希*; 川北 至信; 佐藤 衛*; 杉山 正明*

Biophysical Journal, 124(3), p.540 - 548, 2025/02

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2024.12.022

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) show structural changes stimulated by changes in external conditions. This study aims to reveal the temperature dependence of the structure and the dynamics of the intrinsically disordered region of the helicase-associated endonuclease for fork-structured DNA, one of the typical IDPs, using an integrative approach. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and circular dichroism (CD) studies revealed that the radius of gyration and ellipticity at 222 nm remained constant up to 313-323 K, followed by a decline above this temperature range. NMR studies revealed the absence of a promotion of the -helix. As a result, SAXS, CD, and NMR data strongly suggest that these temperature-dependent structural changes were primarily due to a reduction in the content of the polyproline II (PPII) helix. Moreover, quasielastic neutron scattering studies revealed a slight change in the activation energy in a similar temperature range. Considering the concept of glass transition, it is posited that dynamical cooperativity between the PPII helix and water may play a significant role in these structural changes. The findings suggest that internal dynamics are crucial for regulating the structure of IDPs, highlighting the importance of considering dynamical cooperativity in future studies of protein behavior under varying temperature conditions.

Characterization of neutrons emitted by an expected small amount of fuel debris in a trial retrieval from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

松村 太伊知; 奥村 啓介; 坂本 雅洋; 寺島 顕一; Riyana E. S.; 近藤 千博*

Nuclear Engineering and Design, 432, p.113791_1 - 113791_9, 2025/02

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2024.113791

Retrieving objects with a small amount of fuel debris, such as a few grams, will begin soon at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (1F) at the start of decommissioning. Objects retrieved from the primary containment vessel are not necessarily fuel debris; fuel debris is an object from which neutrons are emitted because it contains nuclear-fuel material. However, the characteristics of the neutrons emitted by fuel debris are unknown. Fuel debris was categorized into five types according to the elapsed time from the accident, burnup, and fuel type (UO or mixed oxide). The number and energy spectra of (, ) and spontaneous fission neutrons emitted from 1 g of each fuel debris type were estimated using the SOURCES 4C code to obtain the neutron characteristics. The results showed that the average neutron energy is approximately 2.1 MeV, regardless of the type of fuel debris. However, the intensities of neutrons emitted from the fuel debris in 1F Units 2 and 3 varied by four orders of magnitude according to the fuel debris type.

Solid-state Alder-ene reaction of 1-hexene under high pressure

Xu, J.*; Lang, P.*; Liang, S.*; Zhang, J.*; Fei, Y.*; Wang, Y.*; Gao, D.*; 服部 高典; 阿部 淳*; Dong, X.*; et al.

Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters (Internet), p.2445 - 2451, 2025/00

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c03696

アルダー-エン反応は、アルケンとアリル水素との化学反応であり、C-C結合を構築する効率的な方法である。従来、この反応には触媒、高温、あるいは光触媒が必要であった。本研究では、触媒を用いずに室温下で加圧することで成功した1-ヘキセンのアルダー-エン反応を報告する。1-ヘキセンは4.3GPaで結晶化し、18GPaで重合してオレフィンを形成する。ガスクロマトグラフィー-質量分析法により、1-ヘキセンが高圧下でのアルダー-エン反応により二量体を生成することを発見した。その場中性子回折から、この反応過程はトポケミカル則に従わないことがわかった。理論計算により、1つのC-H 結合と2つのアルケン結合を含む6員環遷移状態が示され、そのエネルギーは20GPaまで圧縮すると明らかに減少した。本研究は、触媒を用いずに室温でアルダー-エン反応を実現する新規かつ有望な方法を提供し、この重要な反応の応用を拡大するものである。

Role of retained austenite and deformation-induced martensite in 0.15C-5Mn steel monitored by neutron diffraction measurement during tensile deformation

山下 享介*; 諸岡 聡; Gong, W.; 川崎 卓郎; Harjo, S.; 北條 智彦*; 興津 貴隆*; 藤井 英俊*

ISIJ International, 64(14), p.2051 - 2060, 2024/12

https://doi.org/10.2355/isijinternational.ISIJINT-2024-196

An Fe-0.15C-5Mn-0.5Si-0.05Nb steel annealed at 660C and 685C showed Lders deformation followed by high work hardening, with variations in Lders strain and hardening behavior. neutron diffraction during tensile tests analyzed phase stresses, strength contributions, and austenite orientation. Deformation-induced martensite contributed 1000 MPa to strength near tensile failure, while austenite mainly enhanced ductility via transformation-induced plasticity. Austenite transformed to martensite during Lders deformation regardless of orientation, though 311-oriented grains tended to remain along the tensile direction.

令和3・4年度JRR-3中性子ビーム利用における独自利用研究・技術開発報告

物質科学研究センター

JAEA-Review 2024-037, 141 Pages, 2024/11

JAEA-Review-2024-037.pdf:13.08MB

JRR-3(Japan Research Reactor No.3)には、日本原子力研究開発機構(原子力機構)が所管する15台の中性子ビーム利用実験装置が設置されており、装置高度化を含めた原子力機構の独自利用を行うとともに施設供用装置として外部利用者に供し、様々な研究成果を創出している。本報告書は、運転再開後の令和3年度、令和4年度の独自利用研究および中性子ビーム利用実験装置の高度化などの技術開発の進捗状況を取りまとめたものである。