Nuclear Future Accelerated: New Testing Method Cuts Reactor Component Qualification Time by 1,000x
The development of advanced nuclear reactors – crucial for emissions-free electricity and powering energy-intensive technologies like AI data centers – is receiving a significant boost. A groundbreaking new method for qualifying materials used in reactor cores is poised to dramatically reduce testing time and costs, paving the way for faster innovation.
From Decades to Days: The QUICC Breakthrough
For over 35 years, scientists have explored alternatives to traditional neutron irradiation testing, which can take over a decade to simulate a reactor component’s lifetime. Now, a technique called Qualification under Ion irradiation of Core Components (QUICC), spearheaded by University of Michigan Engineering, is nearing industry-wide approval through ASTM International. QUICC utilizes ion beam irradiation, achievable in laboratory accelerators, to replicate the damage caused by years of neutron exposure in just days.
“The QUICC methodology, applied to two extremely different alloys, demonstrates that the critical changes to the materials under ion irradiation mimic those under reactor irradiation. The significance is that ion irradiation can be used to predict material behavior in reactors 1000 times faster than with test reactors and at one one-thousandth the cost,” explained Gary Was, U-M professor emeritus of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences.
Understanding Radiation Damage: DPA and Beyond
The intensity of radiation damage is measured in displacements per atom (dpa). As materials are bombarded with radiation, atoms are knocked out of position within the crystal lattice. Advanced reactors may require core materials to withstand up to 200 dpa or higher. This displacement causes brittleness, cracking, swelling, and the formation of helium bubbles – all factors that can compromise a material’s integrity.
QUICC addresses these challenges by carefully controlling ion irradiation conditions. For fission reactors, this involves using two ion beams: a heavy ion beam to simulate the bulk of the displacement damage and a helium ion beam to create helium bubbles. The materials are too tested in a high-temperature, high-pressure water environment, mimicking reactor core conditions.
Adapting to Fusion: A Triple Beam Approach
The QUICC methodology isn’t limited to fission reactors. It has also been adapted for fusion reactor environments, which present a unique set of challenges. Fusion reactors produce both helium and hydrogen alongside radiation damage. To simulate this, QUICC employs a “triple beam” irradiation – hydrogen, helium, and heavy ions – in proportions that reflect the conditions within a fusion reactor.
Collaboration Drives Innovation
The development of QUICC is a collaborative effort involving researchers from the University of Michigan, Pennsylvania State University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of Tennessee. Key funders include the U.S. Department of Energy, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Framatome, and Rolls-Royce.
The method will be presented at a special event hosted by EPRI, March 10-11 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and at the 2026 TMS meeting in San Diego on March 17.
Looking Ahead: Commercialization and Licensing
The University of Michigan is actively working with U-M Innovation Partnerships to develop license agreements and bring the QUICC technology to market. Testing is currently conducted at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory, with materials characterization performed at the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dpa? Dpa stands for displacements per atom and is a measure of how many times, on average, each atom in a material is knocked out of its position by radiation.
How does ion beam irradiation compare to neutron irradiation? Ion beam irradiation can achieve the same level of damage as neutron irradiation in days, compared to years for traditional testing.
What types of reactors can QUICC be used for? QUICC can be adapted for both fission and fusion reactors.
Who is involved in the development of QUICC? The core team includes researchers from U-M, Pennsylvania State University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of Tennessee.
Where can I learn more about QUICC? More information can be found at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory and Michigan Center for Materials Characterization websites.
Pro Tip: Faster material qualification means quicker design iterations and a faster path to deploying advanced nuclear energy solutions.
Did you know? The feasibility of using ion beams as a surrogate for test reactors has been under study for more than 35 years.
Interested in learning more about the future of nuclear energy? Explore our other articles on sustainable energy solutions.
