Dr. Assel Aitkaliyeva
Department of Materials Science & Engineering
University of Florida

Abstract

The detailed and quantitative understanding of mesoscale in-reactor degradation behavior of nuclear fuels is of critical importance as it is the evolution of the microstructure that has the most profound impact on bulk properties and in-reactor performance of nuclear fuels and thus on the development of next generation reactor systems. In this contribution, we will discuss the recent progress made in microstructural and microchemical characterization of different fuel systems, including mixed oxide (MOX), U-Mo, and U-Pu-Zr. The value of 3D techniques, such as focused ion beam (FIB) nano-tomography and atom probe tomography (APT), in nuclear fuels research will be demonstrated and the challenges in interpreting 3D tomography results on irradiated fuels addressed. In addition, microstructure-property relationship will be discussed and experimental data will be linked to ongoing modeling efforts.

Biography

Prof. Aitkaliyeva is an Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Florida (UF). She maintains a joint appointment with Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Before joining UF in February 2017, she spent 5 years as a staff at Idaho National Laboratory, where she served as focused ion beam (FIB) technical lead and technical lead for Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF).

Dr. Aitkaliyeva received her PhD. in Materials Science & Engineering (2012) and M.S. in Nuclear Engineering (2009) at the Texas A&M University. Her current research interests include: nuclear fuels and materials, with emphasis on characterization and property evaluation; mechanical and thermal properties of materials; reactor irradiation; radiation damage in materials; ion implantation; kinetics; composites; nanostructured materials; and multi-scale simulation of nuclear fuel.

***Seminar will not be streamed***