Faculty and Student Teams Program

Project Descriptions

Argonne National Laboratory
The Energy Technology Division

Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology to work on the following projects.

Project Description

The Energy Technology Division provides an integrated, state-of-the-art approach to the design, fabrication, and testing of highly-reliable materials, components, and instrumentation. The Division is particularly strong in the areas of high-temperature properties of metals and ceramics, corrosion, radiation effects, nondestructive evaluation techniques, materials processing, thermal hydraulics, engineering mechanics, instrumentation and control, and components and systems testing. For energy technologies, the Division's programs emphasize safe and reliable design, efficient performance, and inherent safety of components and systems, as well as gathering basic engineering data and developing applicable new methods of analysis.

Some representative examples of the research projects available for FaST teams are listed below. More detailed information regarding the myriad of research projects occurring at Argonne National Laboratory can be found online in our Research Participation Catalog (http://www.dep.anl.gov/catalog/catalog.htm). The catalog contains the titles and descriptions of almost all research projects underway at Argonne National Laboratory. The catalog is available for downloading OR one can browse the catalog online.

Research Opportunities at the Energy Technology Division

• INSTRUMENTATION AND NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION
  The Instrumentation and Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Section conducts research and development in a broad range of energy-related technologies. Major areas of responsibilities are the development of instruments or NDE techniques for fossil energy, conservation, automobile, textile, waste management, and nuclear technologies, as well as for arms control and verification treaties.

  The current instrumentation efforts of the Section focus on the development of advanced sensors and control systems. This work encompasses (a) multiphase flow measurement techniques, including in-situ measurement of temperature, fluid level, pressure, density, and viscosity; (b) development of leak detection and location systems for power plants; and (c) a number of projects for arms control to develop sensor/instruments for treaty verification. In addition, work has commenced on smart sensors/systems, photoacoustics and rapid prototyping. Sensors used in the treaty verification project are based on acoustic, microwave/millimeter wave and mass spectrometer techniques.

  Our NDE efforts focus on development of techniques and systems for materials characterization and evaluation of component reliability. This work includes (a) characterizing materials, especially ceramics composites, during various stages of fabrication; (b) evaluating the structural integrity of components of a wide variety of energy systems; and (c) pinpointing causes and remedies for improper component behavior through failure analysis. The techniques used to perform this work are based on acoustic, X-ray diffraction and X-ray tomography, NMR spectroscopy and imaging, microwave, neutron diffraction, and optical methods.

• COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS AND HYDRODYNAMICS
  The research in this group covers a wide range of applications in computer simulation and physics of materials behavior under harsh environments. The HEIGHTS computer simulation package developed in this section has unique worldwide capabilities. One major research area is to simulate material behavior under intense power deposition from various sources. This includes detailed models of heat transfer, phase change, thermal hydraulics, magnetohydrodynamics, plasma physics, photon radiation and radiation transport. Models of material erosion and destruction due to laser, ion and electron beams, and plasma radiation are being developed and benchmarked using worldwide powerful facilities. The HEIGHTS package is currently being used for fusion applications, nuclear and high energy physics programs, and space applications. Potential applications include defense, industrial, and medical applications. Other research areas include particle transport and diffusion, flow and solidification of metals in castings, and single/multiphase fluid flow in various engineering systems.

• THERMAL MECHANICAL SCIENCES
  Research in this group relates to many diverse areas involving structural dynamics, thermal-hydraulics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and vibrations. Program emphasis is placed primarily on experimentation and testing, but also extends to modeling. The group operates several test facilities. These include the Flow-Induced Vibration Test Facility (an 8,000-gpm water flow loop), the Flow and Heat Transfer Test Facility (a computer-controlled, thermal-hydraulic, transient, nonisothermal, 2,200-gpm water loop), a low-velocity water channel, a slurry test facility, an adiabatic two-phase flow apparatus, small-channel flow boiling and condensation heat transfer test apparatus, and a 500-gpm water loop. The group performs fundamental research, component development, and performance testing and consultation. Current activities include research in the areas of flow-induced vibration, multiphase flow and heat transfer in compact heat exchanger geometries, ice-slurries for district cooling, and chaos associated with fluid-structure interaction. In addition, vibration studies are performed in support of accelerator facilities.

• TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
  This group provides technical assistance to the Department of Energy (DOE) by addressing department-wide transportation, traffic, and waste-management options. Generic national and international issues are considered, including packaging certification, transportation tracking systems, related regulations and legislation, and waste repository configurations. Examples of tasks performed include the review and analysis of DOE-generated reports, the review of scripts for and production of educational and training videos, and the technical review of Safety Analysis Reports for Packagings (SARPs), Waste Facilities Conceptual Design Reports (CDRs), and Final Safety Analysis Reports (FSARs). The SARP reviews involve general information and drawings; structural, thermal, containment, shielding, and criticality analyses; operating procedures; acceptance tests; maintenance programs; and quality-assurance plans. Computer codes are used for analyses. Packaging or facility compliance with DOE orders and federal regulations is ascertained.

• CERAMICS
  Ceramic processing development and new ceramic-materials synthesis for a wide variety of applications are carried out in this section. Much of the work is done on a collaborative basis with other groups both within and outside of Argonne . An example is the conductor development using high-Tc ceramic superconductors. The Ceramics Section staff have fabricated wires and other technologically useful shapes for motors, bearings, sensors, etc. as well as synthesized new superconducting compounds. Other areas include whisker-or fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites that are being studied for a variety of high-temperature applications; ionic conductors for batteries, fuel cells, sensors, and gas-to-liquid fuel conversions; and advanced refractories for iron and steel making and for the containment of nuclear waste. Cements are being developed for some applications, rapid prototyping technology is also developed for the fabrication of ceramic parts. Generally, the Ceramics Section work includes microstructural characterization by optical and electron microscopy, phase identification by X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis, mechanical properties measurements, and for the superconductors, determination of critical current density and critical temperature. For composites, neutron diffraction is used to characterize the internal stress distribution. Those interested in hands-on ceramics laboratory work should apply for a position in this section.

• ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF MATERIALS BEHAVIOR IN ENERGY SYSTEMS
  In the area of nuclear fission, the thermal, mechanical, and irradiation response of nuclear fuel elements for the reduced enrichment research and test reactor (RERTR) is being analyzed. Emphasis is being placed on realistic models that accurately describe the physical situation. In the fusion area, the thermal and mechanical responses of fusion first-wall structures under novel cooling schemes is being modeled.

• STEAM GENERATOR TUBE INTEGRITY PROGRAM
  The structural integrity of pressurized water reactor steam generator tubes containing stress corrosion cracks and similar defects is being experimentally and analytically investigated. Tubes with prototypic stress corrosion cracks are being produced in the laboratory, and these tubes are being tested under simulated operating conditions to determine their failure pressures and leak rates. The structural response of these tubes is also being evaluated using fracture mechanics calculations and finite-element modeling. In addition, existing and advanced eddy current and other NDE techniques for the detection and characterization of flaws in tubes are being evaluated.

• ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF MATERIALS BEHAVIOR IN ENERGY SYSTEMS
  A modern, high-speed, digital computer is employed to simulate the physical behavior of materials used in advanced energy systems (fission and fusion). In the fission area, the thermal, mechanical, and irradiation response of fuel elements for the reduced enrichment research and test reactor (RERTR) is analyzed. Emphasis is placed on realistic models that accurately describe the physical situation. The DART code system is being developed in order to assess the behavior of dispersion fuels for the RERTR. In the fusion area, the thermal, mechanical, and irradiation performance of solid breeders (Li2O and other ternary oxides) are being modeled. The TIARA code has been developed, verified and validated to predict the tritium inventory in lithium ceramics under fusion reactor operation conditions. Other research activities include the analysis of specific phenomena (e.g. helium-induced swelling) in order to identify key process and/or physical parameters that affect material performance. Finally, the response of plasma-facing components in fusion reactors to plasma disruption events is being analyzed.

• IRRADIATION PERFORMANCE OF REACTOR MATERIALS
  The principal objective of the programs in the Irradiation Performance Section is to assess the behavior of materials, including fuel, cladding and structure components, in the environment of nuclear fission and fusion reactors. These environment results in neutron damage and chemical, metallurgical, and mechanical processes that occur over a wide range of elevated temperatures. The programs falls into the following categories: (1) fuels and materials development for a number of reactor types, (2) postirradiation characterization of fuels and materials, and (3) postirradiation thermal/mechanical testing of fuels and materials. A significant fraction of the Section’s activity is devoted to the performance characterization of light-water reactor fuel systems. The developmental activities include design and fabrication of test fuel or material for irradiation testing in a reactor. The postirradiation characterization and testing activities utilize the Section’s Alpha-Gamma Hot Cell Facility and the Irradiated Materials Laboratory to perform examination, testing and analyses. Available research tools include a full array of fabrication equipment, optical metallographs, scanning electron microscope, Auger microscope, electron microprobe, hydrogen and oxygen determinators, and numerous thermal and mechanical testing instruments. Cooperative research programs are welcome.

• OXIDATION-SULFIDATION BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS
  The program involves experimental studies to establish the mechanism of oxidation-sulfidation of model metallic and ceramic materials exposed to complex and multicomponent gas environments. The research will require background in the areas of thermodynamics and kinetics of gas-solid reactions and use of optical and electron microscopy techniques to elucidate the corrosion mechanisms.

• CORROSION OF MATERIALS IN THE PRESENCE OF DEPOSITS
  The program involves experimental studies to establish the mechanisms of corrosion of heat-exchanger and gas-turbine materials in the presence of deposits that are generated during the combustion of coal and coal-derived fuels. The research will require background in the areas of thermodynamics and kinetics of gas-solid reactions and fluid-flow characteristics that influence the type and rate of deposit(s). A background in X-ray diffraction is desirable.

• STRESS-CORROSION CRACKING OF LIGHT-WATER REACTOR MATERIALS IN SIMULATED COOLANT ENVIRONMENTS
  The program involves an experimental investigation of the influence of simulated reactor-coolant environments, under normal and off-normal water chemistry conditions, on the susceptibility of piping and structural materials to stress-corrosion cracking. The effect of microstructure of the materials, water chemistry (viz. oxygen, hydrogen and impurity concentrations, pH), and temperature on the rate and mode of crack growth is being determined for a range of loading conditions. Background in the areas of electrochemistry, electron microscopy, aqueous corrosion, and physical metallurgy are applicable.

• ALLOY MODIFICATION FOR IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE
  The program involves experimental studies to establish the composition and microstructure of surface layers (created by ion implantation, surface coating, laser annealing, etc.) that impart improved corrosion resistance in oxygen and oxygen-sulfur-chloride environments. A background in transmission electron microscopy and Auger Electron Spectroscopy is desirable.

• TRIBOLOGY
  The Tribology section is concerned with developing and improving materials and surfaces that have low friction and high wear resistance for engineering application. The goal of this research is to make advancements in applications as diverse as spacecraft, fuel-cell vehicles, trucks, sensors, manufacturing, micromachines, and human artificial joints. A participant would typically be involved in one or more of the following activities: (1) Deposition of coatings with improved tribological properties. The group has state-of-the art equipment (plasma, sputtering, ion beam) that is used to deposit many different kinds of thin coatings which are then characterized and tested. Materials include amorphous carbon, diamond, nitride, and carbide coatings. (2) Friction and wear testing. The group has a variety of testing machines that measure friction and wear of rolling and sliding components. The testing may be done in air, in controlled environments (vacuum, inert gas, liquid), at various speeds and motions. (3) Characterization and analysis of the surfaces and coatings, either as they are produced, or after they have been tested. Available methods include scanning- and transmission-electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy and optical profilometry, X-ray analysis (using the Advanced Photon Source), hardness, adhesion, and Rutherford backscattering. Surface morphology, composition, microstructure, and properties are determined and related to performance. A participant would typically learn to operate one or more of the machines, deposit coatings, test coatings, or characterize them, and analyze the data which is obtained.

• ELECTROMECHANICS AND SUPERCONDUCTIVITY APPLICATIONS SECTION
  Research in this area involves the design, development, and analysis of macro-scale devices, such as motors, energy storage coils, power transmission lines, fault-current limiters, bearings, levitated vehicles, etc., using high-temperature superconductors. The group also investigates high-efficiency conventional electric motors, active magnetic bearings, the use of pulsed magnets in aluminum forming, and the use of ac magnets to contain and stir liquid metals. Fabrication and experimental testing of prototypes are conducted in most instances. Major past projects have included the development of superconducting current leads that require an order of magnitude less refrigeration than conventional leads, and a superconducting bearing that holds the world's record for the lowest coefficient of friction. Present projects include the use of superconducting bearings in flywheel energy-storage systems with a goal of 90% efficiency on a diurnal basis. One of our previous students won second prize in the national Apparatus Competition of the American Association of Physics Teachers for a superconducting motor that he built while working in our group.

Applicants Responsibilities and Relationship to Project

Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty and Student Team (FaST) Research Program to work collaboratively with the project research team at the Laboratory for up to 10 weeks during the year starting during the summer of 2004. Summer and academic year visits to Argonne Lab will be scheduled by mutual agreement between the Research Project Directors at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and the successful applicant. Faculty will be expected to identify students from their campus to participate in the Undergraduate Research Participation programs offered by the Department of Energy at ANL. Ideally, faculty will provide some mentorship and/or advising support to students during the summer research activities. It is expected that the faculty member will become an integral part of the research team working on this project and will support the project through the academic year on her or his campus.

Qualifications of Ideal Candidate

Support and Financial Commitments

See Financial Information.

For More Information contact:

http://www.dep.anl.gov