PI: Kaushik Dayal
Co-PI(s): Matteo Pozzi, Amanda Krause
University: Carnegie Mellon University
Industry partner: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
Nuclear reactors are among the most viable options for a rapid transition to a carbon-free economy. A key component of the portfolio of nuclear power generation is the development of next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. These are small, flexible, and can potentially be connected completely off the grid. A leader in this space is Westinghouse, which is based in Western PA, and is developing the eVinci® microreactor. However, there are several technical and research challenges that arise in microreactors. The focus of this proposal is the response of hierarchically structured materials with capillary channels that are proposed for heat transfer (“wicks”) in these extreme conditions of high temperature and mechanical loading, specifically, the precipitous loss of functionality due to extreme thermomechanical loading. The impact of this project will be the development of a simplified yet predictive model that provides a first step toward accounting for the full complexity and uncertainty of these material systems. This will provide Westinghouse with a tool to aid their design and certification cycles and contribute to the commercial competitiveness of the eVinci® reactors and broadly to progress towards a carbon-free future.