Materials for Nuclear Engineering Applications is dedicated to progressing the development and qualification of materials for use in extreme environments, particularly those relevant to advanced and next-generation nuclear reactor systems. This work focuses on accelerating materials development through high-throughput characterization techniques and uncovering the mechanisms that govern material performance under extreme conditions.
Researchers in this area aim to deepen the understanding of materials degradation and performance in environments such as those found in liquid metal- and molten salt-cooled thermal and fast reactors. Utilizing custom experimental facilities and cutting-edge analysis and characterization tools, the team investigates the impact of environmental stressors—including corrosion, radiation, and mechanical stress—on the structure, chemistry, and properties of materials at the nanoscale. The insights gained from these studies are essential for predicting and improving the macroscopic properties and overall performance of materials in various advanced energy applications, ensuring their reliability and safety in nuclear engineering contexts.