ADS - candidate materials compatibility with Liquid Metal in neutron irradiation environment

Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) liquid metal is selected to be the main coolant as well as the spallation neutron source for the future demonstrator Accelerator Driven System (ADS) within the European FP6, EUROTRANSproject and the SCK•CEN project MYRRHA. The compatibility of the coolant with the candidate structural materials is of extreme importance for the mechanical and chemical integrity of the system. This project aims at addressing the possible liquid metal embrittlement (LME) occurrence between the ADS candidate materials and the liquid metal especially in neutron irradiation environment. By performing SSRT tests, both in liquid LBE and in inert environment on both irradiated and non-active specimens, the most important degradation parameters for the ADS installation are assessed and possible synergies can be identified. Preliminary results on non-active material show that the native oxide layer protects the material from LME but stress concentrators and surface defects can increase its susceptibility to LME. The irradiation campaign of material in contact with liquid LBE is currently ongoing in the Belgian BR2 reactor. The setup of the irradiation experiment will be briefly explained.