Tailoring thermal stability of W-Cr based alloys for fusion application
Project ID:GA20-18392S
Provider:Czech Science Foundation
Period:Jan 01, 2020 - Dec 31, 2022
Recipient -- coordinator:Technical University of Ostrava -- dr Andrzej Kądzielawa
Co-recepient(s) / PI(s):Institute of Plasma Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague -- Ing. Monika Vilémová, Ph.D.
Co-investigators from IPPJ. Čížek, J. Veverka

Aims of the project: The project is focusing on applying the condensed matter modeling methods on the crucial task of ensuring safety of nuclear reactor. For this purpose we will use the well-established theoretical techniques such as the density functional theorem to obtain the realistic model of Tungsten-Chromium alloy with concomitant experimental verification. Next, we are going to use said model to enhance properties of W-Cr solid solutions by enriching the alloy with transition metals from the sixth period. Then, we will experimentally corroborate the expected physical properties and effects such as elastic constants and melting temperature. Concertedly, we plan to conduct a precise model calculations allowing us to better understand the phenomenon of miscibility gap in Tungsten-Chromium alloys using the extended Hubbard model as a starting point. Eventually, this project should lead to a robust design of an alloy resisting the temperature blast from the Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) in the reactor vessel, as well as a deeper understanding of physics behind its formation.

Results:

Veverka J., Vilémová M., Lukáč F., Kądzielawa A. P., Legut D., Vontorová J., Kozlík J., Chráska T.: Decreasing the W-Cr solid solution decomposition rate: Theory, modelling and experimental verification. Journal of Nuclear Materials 576 [May] (2023) č. článku 154288. [ Abstract ] [ Link ]

Veverka J., Lukáč F., Kądzielawa A. P., Koller M., Chlup Z., Hadraba H., Karlík M., Legut D., Vontorová J., Chráska T., Vilémová M.: Ultrafine-grained W-Cr composite prepared by controlled W-Cr solid solution decomposition. Materials Letters 304 [December] (2021) č. článku 130728. [ Abstract ] [ Link ]

Veverka J., Vilémová M., Chlup Z., Hadraba H., Lukáč F., Csáki Š., Matějíček J., Vontorová J., Chráska T.: Evolution of carbon and oxygen concentration in tungsten prepared by field assisted sintering and its effect on ductility. International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials 97 [June] (2021) č. článku 105499. [ Abstract ] [ Link ]