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Low-Porosity
SiC/SiC Composite Materials for Nuclear Energy System Components--Ultramet,
Dr.
Jason R. Babcock, Principal Investigator, jason.babcock@ultramet.com
Mr.
Craig N. Ward, Business Official, craig.ward@ultramet.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83811
Amount:
$99,993
The
potential economic and strategic benefits associated with the development of
nuclear energy are numerous. However,
greater application of nuclear technology cannot be realized until advanced
materials are developed that allow operation under the high heat flux conditions
necessary for cost-competitive electric energy generation.
This project will develop and demonstrate innovative materials and
material systems that will allow extended nuclear energy system operation at
heat flux levels up to 10 MW/m2. A
rapid, highly affordable and scalable infiltration process will be used to
fabricate high-density, low-defect ceramic matrix composite materials with
increased thermal conductivity and operating temperature, and low gas
permeability compared to present silicon-based composites.
Phase I will demonstrate the processing and fabrication of
fiber-reinforced silicon carbide composite materials. Tubular
components will be produced for evaluation of microstructure, strength, and gas
permeability. Thermomechanical
modeling of the resultant composite structures will be developed, and helium
flow heat transfer studies will be conducted.
Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits
as described by awardee: These
advanced materials should facilitate the greater application of nuclear energy
as a replacement for increasingly scarce fossil fuel energy sources. Other
alternatives to fossil fuels (e.g. wind, solar, geothermal) cannot generate
sufficient energy to meet current needs.