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Filters applied: Earth & Coastal Sciences, Fuel Cycle Research, Global Nuclear & Radiological Security
JUNE 20, 2016
Feature

Keeping Fast Reactor Steel in Shape

In fast-neutron reactors, fuel is sealed in ~7 millimeter diameter steel tubes called cladding. When a high-energy "fast" neutron strikes an atom in the steel, it can knock the atom out of place, like a cue ball striking another billiard ball. This leaves two types of damage in the metal: an empty spot where the atom was, and the displaced atom wedged between other atoms. Over time, these defects typically drive undesirable rearrangement of the microstructure, potentially reducing the life of the cladding.
JANUARY 8, 2016
News Release

How Seashells Get Their Strength

Calcium carbonate found in chalk, shells and rocks is one of the most important materials on earth. New insights on how it turns into hard, strong materials will help scientists design materials needed for a low-carbon future.