The RIDER group (Radiation-Induced DEfect Research) is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the synergistic effects of radiation and corrosion in materials, with a particular focus on those used in molten salt reactors (MSRs). Our research centers on studying the simultaneous impact of proton irradiation and salt corrosion on structural materials, addressing the critical challenges faced in these extreme reactor environments.
Experimental studies and modeling approaches
The group aims to reveal the combined mechanisms of corrosion and radiation damage through a combination of experimental studies and multi-scale modeling approaches. We seek to uncover how factors such as temperature, radiation dose, dose rate, salt composition, impurities etc. influence the performance of structural materials in molten salt environments.
One of the current challenges in studying MSR materials is that they are often investigated in separate or subsequent stages. Typically, materials are first subjected to irradiation and then exposed to corrosive environments. This approach overlooks the complex synergies between these processes that occur in real reactor conditions. We study irradiation and corrosion together, reflecting better the operating environments of MSRs. By exploring the fundamental mechanisms behind corrosion under irradiation, the RIDER group aims to develop predictive capabilities that allow accurate forecasting of material behavior, particularly in terms of corrosion rates, under reactor operating conditions.
Facilities
Our work is supported by cutting-edge facilities, including DICE (DIFFER's Irradiation Corrosion Experiment), a unique platform that enables simultaneous proton irradiation and salt corrosion experiments. This facility also supports research into proton-neutron equivalence, enhancing our ability to use protons as proxies for neutrons to study radiation effects.
Additionally, the group leverages the Upgraded Pilot PSI (UPP) for advanced studies, such as operando ion beam analysis (IBA) and plasma exposure experiments with ITER-relevant flux. These tools are particularly valuable for investigating deuterium transport in neutron-irradiated tungsten, which allows us to make better predictions of tritium retention in ITER.
Video DICE