Microscopy at the atomic-scale to address materials challenges for future fission and fusion reactors

Speaker: Dr Michael Moody, Director of Materials for Nuclear Research and Technology Group, ANSTO.

Venue: AINSE Theatre, ANSTO, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234

12 noon AEST, Wednesday 12 June  2024

Click here to see video of Michael Moody’s presentation

Abstract

Increasingly, the microscopy technique atom probe tomography (APT) is underpinning materials research across different stages in the nuclear fission/fusion energy cycle, including: optimising processing routes for new materials, investigating new wasteforms, and furthering our understanding of the atomic scale mechanisms driving the deterioration of reactor components when subjected to a combination of high temperatures, corrosive media and neutron irradiation.

This presentation will briefly highlight some unique insights that can be provided by APT, particularly into the earliest stages microstructural damage. Examples will be provided of APT research into the degradation of materials relevant to the design and construction of fission and fusion reactors including, reactor pressure vessel steels, tungsten and zirconium.

About Dr Michael Moody

Michael Moody Director of the new Materials for Nuclear Research and Technology Group at ANSTO. The group undertakes research into a wide range of materials for nuclear fission energy including fuels, structural materials and wasteforms. To this end the NMRT Group is active in nuclear materials design  and development through processing, irradiation, mechanical and microstructural characterisation and modelling.  Previously, since 2012 Michael was Head of the Atom Probe Research Group in the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford and a Fellow and Tutor at Trinity College.  Michael obtained his PhD from the University of South Australia, and subsequently worked as a research associate at the Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis at the University of Sydney.

Michael’s research expertise in atomic-scale materials characterisation using the microscopy technique atom probe tomography. During his time in Oxford he led research efforts developing APT techniques to investigate the onset and evolution of irradiation damage, exposure to high temperatures, corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement in a variety of material systems with applications in fission and fusion reactors. He is co-author of the text book, Atom Probe Microscopy.