Capability Summary
Researchers conducting advanced nuclear materials research aim to discover, characterize, and develop new materials and technologies needed for next-generation fission, fusion, and other challenging applications. Materials investigated include structural metals like stainless steel, ceramics, graphite, composites, glass, as well as spent fuel and precursors in waste treatment of used fuels.
ORNL is able to provide the latest imaging techniques at the nanoscale to explore material transformation and microstructure evolution. Researchers tap into a full suite of physical and mechanical property testing to further their understanding and development of new materials in extreme conditions. Researchers have a long history of working with industry and other collaborators to push materials and technology advancements from the bench scale to industrial adaptation and deployment.
Equipment & Facilities
Structural materials development and testing at high temperature
Graphite and composites development and testing at extreme conditions
Advanced characterization of materials: mechanical, thermal, physical, and chemical properties, pre- and post-neutron irradiation
New instrument and device development for enabling technologies
Data discovery and decision science for nuclear engineering
Contact
Dr. Xiao-Ying Yu is a distinguished scientist at ORNL, specializing in physical chemistry and interfacial phenomena. She earned her degrees from the University of Michigan, training as a kineticist, and completed postdoctoral research at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Dr. Yu has received several prestigious accolades, including the R&D 100 Award in 2014 and the Federal Laboratory Consortium Technology Transfer Award in 2015, reflecting her significant contributions. Her research focuses on molecular imaging, aerosol sampling, and chemical composition analysis, showcasing her unique methodologies. For more information on collaborations, contact her at [email protected].