Microstructure Optimization and Novel Processing Development of ODS Steels for Fusion Environments

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Program:
GAMOW
Award:
$2,300,000
Location:
Richland, Washington
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
02/25/2021 - 05/15/2024
Website:

Technology Description:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) aims to cost-effectively fabricate, at scale, high-performance, oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steel with advanced-manufacturing methods for fusion breeding-blanket applications. PNNL will enable cost-effective production of oxide-dispersion strengthened steel by consolidating and extruding powders made with gas atomization reaction synthesis (GARS) in just one step by using first-of-a-kind shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE). Solid-state dynamic shear deformation during ShAPE will offer highly distributed nucleation of nano-oxides after heat treatment, which is essential to achieving scalable production, competitive costs, and the required tensile and creep strength. In parallel, additive manufacturing will be used to build complex fusion components from GARS powders. Finally, the quality of parts produced through these advanced-manufacturing methods will be demonstrated by testing critical high-temperature properties. Such scalable, cost-effective fabrication of ODS steels may enable efficient power conversion cycles (≥40%) at operating temperatures beyond 900 K in future fusion power plants.

Potential Impact:

Successful development of fusion energy science and technology could lead to a safe, carbon-free, abundant energy source for developed and emerging economies.

Security:

The GAMOW program will advance American leadership in fusion energy science and technology.

Environment:

If successfully developed and commercialized, fusion energy can provide abundant, zero-carbon energy.

Economy:

Advances in GAMOW’s technical areas will help accelerate progress toward commercial fusion energy and a new zero-carbon energy economy.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Ahmed Diallo
Project Contact:
Dr. Dalong Zhang
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
dalong.zhang@pnnl.gov

Partners

Ames National Laboratory
Sandia National Laboratory
North Carolina State University

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Release Date:
02/13/2020