Blake Wilson

Graduate Research Assistant

Research Description

Materials Synthesis using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS); Ceramic Nuclear Fuel Fabrication, Irradiation, and Characterization; High Entropy Alloy Development

Regardless of reactor design materials will be expected to perform in extreme environments.  Radiation, corrosion, and stress are always present in a nuclear reactor – we must continue to develop advanced materials to survive and thrive in reactor environments.  Generation III, III+, and IV reactors will be expected to provide higher levels of baseload power, heat generation, isotope production, and uprate in the future.  Blake’s research is focused on the synthesis of ceramic (nitride) nuclear fuels using spark plasma sintering (SPS).  Uranium Nitride has a higher fissile material density, greater thermal conductivity, and longer fuel cycle time (at nominal burnup rate) than Uranium Dioxide.  Uranium Nitride continues to show it is a viable replacement for Uranium Dioxide – especially in Generation IV liquid sodium / gas cooled (TRISO) reactors.

Background

Blake Wilson hails from Boca Raton, Florida and is a U.S. Army Officer, Paratrooper, and Jumpmaster.  From 2014 to 2018, Blake attended the United States Military Academy where he majored in Physics with a focus in Nuclear Engineering and was a kicker on the Army Football Team.  During his tenure, his team won the Commander in Chief’s Trophy, the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl (2016), and the Armed Forces Bowl (2017).  In 2018, Blake was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army.  Since then, he has served as an Airborne Field Artillery Officer in the historic 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

As a lieutenant, Blake served as a Firing Platoon Leader, Fire Direction Officer, and Battery Executive Officer in Battery A (Rock), 3rd Battalion (Gun Devils), 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment (Cannonball) in the 1st Brigade Combat Team (Devils in Baggy Pants) of the 82nd Airborne Division (All Americans).  Later, he served as a Company Executive Officer and Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Division Commander in Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division.

As a Captain, Blake served as a Battalion Fire Support Officer for 1st Battalion (Red Falcons), 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Falcons) of the 82nd Airborne Division.  Most recently Blake served as the Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (Hadrian), 2nd Battalion (Black Falcons), 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Blake has deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, and to Washington D.C. in support of Defense Support of Civil Authorities.  He is a Master Parachutist and is passionate about preparing America’s sons and daughters for war.  Blake is a graduate of the United States Army Advanced Airborne School (Jumpmaster School) and the United States Army Ranger School.

In his free time, Blake enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, running, and operating his ham radio station.

Education