Influence of steam flow rate on oxidation kinetics of silicon carbide at 1400-1600 C

Pham V. H.; 倉田 正輝; 永江 勇二; 石橋 良*; 佐々木 政名*

Corrosion Science, 255, p.113098_1 - 113098_9, 2025/10

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.corsci.2025.113098

Being expected as materials for accident tolerant fuel cladding tube, oxidation behavior and kinetics of silicon carbide (SiC) under extreme conditions like severe accidents must be elucidated. In this study, oxidation tests of SiC at 1400-1600 C for 1-5 h, at atmospheric pressure, under two different flow rates of HO/Ar gas mixture have been conducted to investigate the influence of steam flow rate on the formation of SiO scale and its subsequent volatilization. The oxidation tests were conducted via a newly developed test facility using laser as a heat source. Oxidation kinetics of SiC was evaluated via mass change of samples before and after the oxidation tests. Parabolic oxidation rate representative for SiO formation and linear volatilization rate reflecting its volatilization were calculated, based on these mass changes. The Arrhenius dependence of the parabolic oxidation and linear volatilization rate constants were then plotted. Results of this study indicated that SiC exhibits excellent performance under the conditions investigated. Steam flow rate has a significant influence on volatilization of SiO but has minor effects over its formation. Oxidation of SiC in steam at high temperature may follow mass gain or mass loss regime, depending on the steam flow rate. Two oxidation patterns were suggested and discussed. In the first oxidation pattern, the SiO formation is dominated over its volatilization. The second oxidation pattern (steady stage) is reached when the SiO formation rate is equivalent to its volatilization rate. Time to reach this steady stage was defined, based on the parabolic oxidation rate and linear volatilization rate.

High-temperature oxidation failure in reactivity-initiated accidents; An Evaluation of failure criteria based on oxygen concentration from the previous NSRR experiments

Luu, V. N.; 谷口 良徳; 宇田川 豊; 勝山 仁哉

Nuclear Engineering and Design, 442, p.114222_1 - 114222_15, 2025/10

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2025.114222

For near-term application, coated-Zr alloy claddings show potential for enhancing safety by providing better oxidation resistance and minimizing hydrogen absorption under design-basis accidents (DBA). This benefit could extend the burnup and operational cycles of fuel rods. In assessing safety, reactivity-initiated accidents (RIA) are considered as one of the DBA conditions. The current safety criteria for high-temperature oxidation failure, one of the failure modes linked to RIA, are defined by peak fuel enthalpy values that range from 205 to 270 cal/g. This wide variability presents challenges when attempting to generalize criteria for modified-Zr alloy claddings with superior oxidation resistance. Therefore, it may be more relevant to apply failure criteria based on embrittlement mechanisms, such as oxygen concentration in the -Zr phase. This study aimed to assess the failure based on both peak fuel enthalpy and cladding embrittlement by analyzing previous NSRR experiments conducted with conventional materials using the RANNS fuel performance code. The findings suggest that the failure criteria associated with cladding embrittlement can provide a rational evaluation of failure behavior compared to the existing criterion based on peak fuel enthalpy. The local failure criterion leading to the formation of through-wall cracks during quenching is consistent with Chung's proposal (NUREG/CR-1344): -Zr thickness of 0.9 wt% oxygen is less than 0.1 mm, and this corresponds to approximately 35% BJ-ECR.

Experimental study on light gas transport during containment venting by using the large-scale test facility CIGMA

相馬 秀; 石垣 将宏*; 柴本 泰照

Annals of Nuclear Energy, 219, p.111455_1 - 111455_12, 2025/09

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2025.111455

Containment venting is one of the accident mitigation measures during severe accidents in nuclear power plants for preventing overpressure failure of the containment vessels. Because of the capability of releasing hydrogen generated in the containment vessel, the hydrogen risk can be also reduced. In this study, we conducted experiments with the large-scale test facility CIGMA to investigate the light gas transport during the venting action, mainly focusing on the effect of sump water boiling caused by the vent. The CIGMA test vessel initially pressurized by steam, air, and helium (hydrogen simulant) that formed a helium-rich density stratification was depressurized with and without sump water, with different venting flow rates, and at different venting positions. As the sump water became a steam source due to flash boiling, the helium stratification was diluted and the venting time increased twofold compared to the case without sump water, which significantly affected the amount of helium discharged to the atmosphere. Especially for the high venting flow rate condition, the amount of helium remaining in the vessel at the end of depressurization was half that of the case without sump water. Lowering the venting position from within the initial stratification to 3 m below its interface led to a threefold increase in the amount of helium remaining at the same low pressure, because of the longer time until the helium-rich stratification reached the venting position.

Enhanced work hardening in ferrite and austenite of duplex stainless steel at 200 K; neutron diffraction study

山下 享介*; 古賀 紀光*; Mao, W.*; Gong, W.; 川崎 卓郎; Harjo, S.; 藤井 英俊*; 梅澤 修*

Materials Science and Engineering A, 941, p.148602_1 - 148602_11, 2025/09

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2025.148602

Ferrite-austenite duplex stainless steels offer excellent strength and ductility, making them suitable for extreme environments. In this study, neutron diffraction during tensile testing at 293 K and 200 K was used to investigate stress partitioning and phase-specific deformation. Phase stress was calculated using a texture-compensated method. At both temperatures, ferrite showed higher phase stress than austenite, acting as the harder phase. At 200 K, both phases exhibited increased strength and work hardening. Austenite showed significant stacking fault formation alongside dislocation migration, while ferrite retained its dislocation-based deformation mode, becoming more effective. Stress contributions from both phases were comparable. No martensitic transformation occurred. Strengthening and enhanced work hardening in both phases led to high strength at 200 K, with ductility similar to that at 293 K.

化学計測技術とインフォマティックスを融合したデブリ性状把握手法の開発とタイアップ型人材育成(委託研究); 令和5年度英知を結集した原子力科学技術・人材育成推進事業

廃炉環境国際共同研究センター; 福島大学*

JAEA-Review 2025-002, 108 Pages, 2025/07

JAEA-Review-2025-002.pdf:5.25MB

日本原子力研究開発機構(JAEA)廃炉環境国際共同研究センター(CLADS)では、令和5年度英知を結集した原子力科学技術・人材育成推進事業(以下、「本事業」という。)を実施している。本事業は、東京電力ホールディングス株式会社福島第一原子力発電所の廃炉等をはじめとした原子力分野の課題解決に貢献するため、国内外の英知を結集し、様々な分野の知見や経験を、従前の機関や分野の壁を越えて緊密に融合・連携させた基礎的・基盤的研究及び人材育成を推進することを目的としている。平成30年度の新規採択課題から実施主体を文部科学省からJAEAに移行することで、JAEAとアカデミアとの連携を強化し、廃炉に資する中長期的な研究開発・人材育成をより安定的かつ継続的に実施する体制を構築した。本研究は、令和元年度に採択された研究課題のうち、「化学計測技術とインフォマティックスを融合したデブリ性状把握手法の開発とタイアップ型人材育成」の令和元年度から令和5年度分の研究成果について取りまとめたものである。本研究は、新しい化学分析法の構築によるインフォマティックスとの融合技術の実現を目指し、少ない情報量で全体像を推定するシステムの開発を実施することを目的とする。JAEA研究者とのタイアップ方式による研究を実施することで、博士前期課程ポスドクまでの研究者の地域実践型の深化する横断的な人材育成を行うとともに、国際感覚豊かな人材の育成を目指し、実施した。

Long-term changes in the chemical, microstructural, and transport properties of a low-pH cement shotcrete during operation of the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, Japan

望月 陽人; 松井 裕哉; 中山 雅; 坂本 亮*; 柴田 真仁*; 本島 貴之*; 城 まゆみ*

Case Studies in Construction Materials, 22, p.e04648_1 - e04648_20, 2025/07

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04648

放射性廃棄物の地層処分で使用される低アルカリ性セメントは、長期にわたる処分場の操業期間中に大気中の二酸化炭素による炭酸化や地下水との接触によってその特性が変化する可能性がある。本研究では、フライアッシュとシリカヒュームを混合した低アルカリ性セメント(HFSC)を用いた吹付けコンクリートの化学的特性、微細構造ならびに輸送特性に対して大気中での炭酸化および地下水との接触が与える影響を、幌延の地下研究施設において16年間にわたり調査した。HFSC吹付けコンクリートの炭酸化領域と溶出領域のいずれにおいても、直径約300nm未満の細孔の毛細管空隙率が増加し、全空隙率は非変質領域よりも高くなった。これらの空隙構造の変化は、ケイ酸カルシウム水和物(C-S-H)の脱灰とエトリンガイトの分解に関連していると考えられる。このような変化は、OPC吹付けコンクリートの変質領域では軽微であったことから、本研究の調査条件下において、HFSC吹付けコンクリートは炭酸化や地下水溶出に対する抵抗性が相対的に低いことが示された。しかしながら、HFSCの透水係数は、地層処分に用いられる低pHセメントに求められる機能要件を満たす程度に低かった。

Which radionuclides contribute most to seafood ingestion dose?

Johansen, M. P.*; Gwynn, J. P.*; Carpenter, J. G.*; Charmasson, S.*; 森 愛理; Orr, B.*; Simon-Cornu, M.*; Osvath, I.*; McGinnity, P.*

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 287, p.107706_1 - 107706_8, 2025/07

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107706

Radiological ingestion doses from eating seafood are regularly evaluated near coastal nuclear facilities, following accidents/events and frequently in national studies worldwide. However, a recent global review found that published seafood doses varied greatly depending on which radionuclides were selected for evaluation and that there has been a tendency to omit important radionuclides or focus on less significant ones. This indicates a need for clear guidance on which radionuclides to prioritise in such studies. Here, we use worldwide data for 16 key radionuclides contributing to typical background seafood ingestion dose. We account for the loss of radionuclides during cooking and the radioactive decay of the short-lived Po. Results indicate that for the typical world consumer, naturally-occurring radionuclides account for 99% of the total seafood ingestion dose, of which about 84% comes from Po and 8% from Pb. About 5% comes from Ra, a far greater proportion than the more frequently-assessed Ra (1%). Other Th- and U-series radionuclides provide far lower contributions (0.07%-0.70%), while C provides about 0.09%. In comparison, the contribution to total seafood ingestion dose from background anthropogenic radionuclides is 1%, with Cs contributing most (0.08%) and Sr, Tc, Ag and Pu adding a further 0.05% together. These percentage contributions to dose can vary somewhat depending on consumption patterns (e.g., differing proportions of fish, bivalves, etc.). However, Po is the dominant contributor irrespective of country-specific diets or restricted diet scenarios (fish-only, seaweed-only, etc.). Study results provide new guidance to improve the design, interpretation and communication of seafood ingestion dose assessments.

Discrimination of disposal-restricted materials in waste containers by nondestructive testing and image analysis with high-energy X-ray computed tomography

村上 昌史; 吉田 幸彦; 南郷 脩史*; 久保田 省吾*; 黒澤 卓也*; 佐々木 紀樹

Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 62(7), p.650 - 661, 2025/07

https://doi.org/10.1080/00223131.2025.2460526

Nondestructive methods were investigated to effectively discriminate disposal-restricted materials, including aluminum, batteries, combustibles, lead, and mercury, inside waste containers without opening them. An industrial computed tomography (CT) system with maximum X-ray energy of 9 MeV was used to visualize inside 27-cm diameter pails and 59-cm diameter drums filled with typical waste materials such as combustibles, glass, concrete, and metals. The CT images with 0.5 mm spacing were acquired, and three-dimensional (3D) models were constructed. A good linear relationship was observed between the gray values in the obtained CT images and the densities of materials. Combustibles, lead, and mercury were extracted via simple segmentation based on their apparent densities. 3D feature-based discriminations were further applied to batteries and certain aluminum objects based on their structural characteristics. Almost all batteries contained in the drums were successfully discriminated regardless of deformation, except for a few cases under extreme conditions. Aluminum was extracted along with glass and concrete; however, pipes with distinctive shapes could be identified in a relatively selective manner. The discrimination methods developed in this study will be effective in revealing the contents of waste containers, particularly for harmful materials that need to be separated for proper disposal.

研究用原子炉を利用したRI製造; JRR-3における取り組み

木名瀬 政美

Radioisotopes, 74(2), p.233 - 238, 2025/07

https://doi.org/10.3769/radioisotopes.740212

放射性同位元素(RI)は、その多くが研究用原子炉や加速器で製造され、工業分野や医療分野等への活用により国民生活の向上に大きく貢献している。今後も研究用原子炉を用いたRI製造・頒布は重要とされており、「もんじゅ」サイトに建設計画中の新試験研究炉でもRI製造が期待されている。本稿では、研究用原子炉JRR-3を利用したRI製造の取り組みを紹介する。

Unique deformation behavior of ultrafine-grained 304 stainless steel at 20 K

Mao, W.*; Gong, W.; 川崎 卓郎; Gao, S.*; 伊東 達矢; 山下 享介*; Harjo, S.; Zhao, L.*; Wang, Q.*

Scripta Materialia, 264, p.116726_1 - 116726_6, 2025/07

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2025.116726

An ultrafine-grained 304 austenitic stainless steel exhibited pronounced serrated Luders deformation at 20 K, with stress and temperature oscillations reaching 200 MPa and 20 K. neutron diffraction and digital image correlation revealed discontinuous Luders band propagation and burst martensite formation. During deformation, austenite phase stress remained lower than at upper yielding, indicating elastic behavior. Notably, martensite phase stress stayed lower than austenite until fracture, likely due to stress relaxation from burst martensitic transformation at 20 K. The low martensite stress delayed brittle fracture until austenite plastically yielded during uniform deformation.