Bobby Gentile

Graduate Research Assistant

Research Description

Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) are one of several next-generation advanced nuclear reactors to supply the US power grid. The behavior of reactor structural materials has been one key challenge faced in the development of MSRs. To comprehend structural alloys’ behavior in MSR extreme environments, it is important to understand the fundamental mechanisms of simple metals in simulated corrosive environments. My research work focuses on the corrosion mechanisms of pre- and post-irradiation, and pre- and post-stress metals. Pure Ni and Ni20Cr model alloys are exposed to NaCl-MgCl2 molten chloride salt at 700 degrees Celsius, before and after 2 MeV proton irradiation; the stress + corrosion testing details will be determined at a later date. My role in this effort is the advanced characterization of the model alloys after exposure to the given extreme conditions. Multimodal characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and electron diffraction are employed to characterize the microstructure and defects of the model alloys in these extreme conditions.

Background

I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering at the South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. During my undergraduate studies, I was directly involved in the research of a wide variety of topics, such as developing inner diameter coatings for accident tolerant fuel rod claddings, and applying instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) to determine toxic elements in cotton seeds. 

Education