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Performance of a Silicon-Carbide Heated Furnace and Activation at High Neutron Flux

Van Zile, Matthew P

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Nuclear Engineering.
As materials science for aerospace and nuclear industries continues to advance, the need for instrumentation that can reproduce and endure the harsh conditions found in high temperature irradiated environments has become increasingly necessary for continuing research. The purpose of this study was to design a high temperature furnace rig for sensor and sensor material irradiation experiments at the Ohio State University’s Research Reactor (OSURR) with special attention given to minimizing the undesired activation of furnace materials following 100 hours of near core irradiation at 450 kW reactor power, resulting in neutron flux levels of around 3.5x1012 n/cm2sec. The furnace would provide heating capabilities ranging from 400° C to 1200° C. Thermal tests were performed at ambient temperatures using a low-noise 5 kW AC to DC voltage power supply and PID controller. Monte Carlo Neutron Particle (MCNP) simulations were performed to determine neutron flux levels and particle interactions within the interior of a high temperature furnace comprised of a silica-alumina insulative body and an aluminum frame. Variations of the model were also simulated to provide comparative data for analysis. It was determined that 1-inch thick silica-alumina insulation provided almost no shielding for neutron radiation, which is desired for near core experiments. Secondarily, activation levels were calculated for the furnace rig to estimate how long after irradiation the structure will be safe for personnel to perform maintenance or disassemble the instrument. Although aluminum and silicon have relatively short half-lives, the impurities found in aluminum 6061 present a challenge for radiation safety and therefore require additional controls. Materials such as MetamicTM and the aluminum-1100 alloy provide useful alternatives to the series 6000 alloys used in previous experiments. Further experimentation validating these findings was disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic during the Spring of 2020. Additional journal publications and reports will document these results in the future.
Lei (Raymond) Cao (Advisor)
Marat Khafizov (Committee Member)
50 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Van Zile, M. P. (2020). Performance of a Silicon-Carbide Heated Furnace and Activation at High Neutron Flux [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu158746743668051

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Van Zile, Matthew. Performance of a Silicon-Carbide Heated Furnace and Activation at High Neutron Flux . 2020. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu158746743668051.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Van Zile, Matthew. "Performance of a Silicon-Carbide Heated Furnace and Activation at High Neutron Flux ." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu158746743668051

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)