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K Subramanian

Bio: K Subramanian is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Liquidus & Grain size. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 36 citations.

Papers
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DOI
12 Sep 2005
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the durability of SB4 glasses produced with a high B2O3 frit likely to be recommended for SB4 processing, based on chemical durability of homogeneous and devitrified glasses over a WL range of 30 - 50%.
Abstract: The Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) is about to process High Level Waste (HLW) Sludge Batch 4 (SB4). This sludge batch is high in alumina and nepheline can crystallize readily depending on the glass composition. Large concentrations of crystallized nepheline can have an adverse effect on HLW glass durability. Several studies have been performed to study the potential for nepheline formation in SB4. The Phase 3 Nepheline Formation study of SB4 glasses examined sixteen different glasses made with four different frits. Melt rate experiments were performed by the Process Science and Engineering Section (PS&E) of the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) using the four frits from the Phase 3 work, plus additional high B2O3/high Fe2O3 frits. Preliminary results from these tests showed the potential for significant improvements in melt rate for SB4 glasses using a higher B2O3-containing frit, particularly Frit 503. The main objective of this study was to investigate the durability of SB4 glasses produced with a high B2O3 frit likely to be recommended for SB4 processing. In addition, a range of waste loadings (WLs) was selected to continue to assess the effectiveness of a nepheline discriminator in predicting concentrations of nepheline crystallization that would be sufficient to influencemore » the durability response of the glass. Five glasses were selected for this study, covering a WL range of 30 to 50 wt% in 5 wt% increments. The Frit 503 glasses were batched and melted. Specimens of each glass were heat-treated to simulate cooling along the centerline of a DWPF-type canister (ccc) to gauge the effects of thermal history on product performance. Visual observations on both quenched and ccc glasses were documented. A representative sample from each glass was submitted to the SRNL Process Science Analytical Laboratory (PSAL) for chemical analysis to confirm that the as-fabricated glasses corresponded to the defined target compositions. The Product Consistency Test (PCT, ASTM C1285) was performed in triplicate on each Frit 503 quenched and ccc glass to assess chemical durability. The experimental test matrix also included the Environmental Assessment (EA) glass and the Approved Reference Material (ARM-1) glass. Representative samples of all the ccc glasses were examined for homogeneity visually and by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Chemical composition measurements indicated that the experimental glasses were close to their target compositions. PCT results showed that all of the Fit 503 quenched glasses had an acceptable durability compared to the EA benchmark glass. The durability of one of the ccc glasses, NEPHB-04, was statistically greater than its quenched counterpart. However, this was shown to be of little practical significance, as the durability of the NEPHB-04 ccc glass was acceptable when compared to the durability of the EA benchmark glass. Visual observations and PCT results indicated that all of the Frit 503 quenched glasses were free of any crystallization that impacts durability. For the ccc glasses, XRD results indicated that the lower WL glasses (30 to 40 wt%) were amorphous, which was consistent with visual observations and PCT responses. The higher WL glasses (45 and 50 wt%) were shown by XRD to contain spinel (trevorite, NiFe2O4). It is possible that some of the other high WL glasses also contained some nepheline, but that the amount of nepheline crystallization was below the detection limit (0.5 vol%) associated with XRD. The results indicate that Frit 503 is a good candidate for SB4 processing, based on chemical durability of homogeneous and devitrified glasses over a WL range of 30 - 50%. It should be noted that the higher WL glasses would not be fit for processing in DWPF as they exceed other process related criteria (such as liquidus temperature). However, this is only one of many factors influencing the frit selection. Melt rate and the final SB4 composition are also important factors in frit selection. Additional melt rate studies are currently underway, and the final composition projection for SB4 is expected shortly.« less

35 citations

ReportDOI
10 Jan 2004
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive list of microstructural features that impact the aging performance of the tritium reservoirs was developed based on their impact on the following key factors in controlling crack growth: (1) the H/He solubility or diffusivity within the materials, (2) the stress/strain state at the crack tip, (3) material threshold for crack extension, and (4) microstructure based fracture distance, commonly estimated by grain size for intergranular fracture.
Abstract: A project to implement a life-cycle engineering approach to tritium reservoirs has been initiated through the DOE - Technology Investment Projects. The first task in the project was to develop a comprehensive list of microstructural features that impact the aging performance of the tritium reservoirs. Each of the participating sites (SRNL, SNL, LANL, KCP) independently developed a list of features deemed integral to tritium reservoir performance based upon operational and design experience. An integrated list of features was ultimately developed by the project team that could be included in the modeling process. The features of interest were chosen based upon their impact on the following key factors in controlling crack growth: (1) the H/He solubility or diffusivity within the materials, (2) the stress/strain state at the crack tip, (3) material threshold for crack extension, and (4) microstructure based fracture distance, commonly estimated by grain size for intergranular fracture. Wherever possible, key references were identified to substantiate the effects on the tritium embrittlement phenomenon of the various microstructural features. Each of these features was chosen based upon their impact to the cracking phenomenon of interest. The features chosen were typically associated with orientation, morphology, and distribution of phases and inclusions, grainmore » and grain boundary characteristics, and initial mechanical properties. Phase and inclusion content and distribution were determined to play a key role in the cracking phenomenon. The presence of {delta}-ferrite in the weld and strain-induced martensite in the primarily austenitic matrix are known to facilitate hydrogen diffusion and the interfaces have been observed as a hydrogen assisted fracture path. The morphology, size, and distribution of inclusions and precipitates, particularly on the grain boundaries, influence cracking since they trap hydrogen and facilitate intergranular fracture. Compositional banding and nitrogen concentration were also included as features of interest. The microstructural features of interest included (1) grain size, shape, and orientation; (2) dislocation structure and distribution, or recovered vs. un-recovered. The grain size and orientation affect the grain boundary fracture stress and the hydrogen solubility and diffusion paths. The dislocation structure and distribution play a role in hydrogen trapping as well as potentially affecting the hydrogen assisted fracture path. The initial mechanical and physical properties that are to be included in the investigation are yield stress, fracture toughness, work-hardening capacity, threshold hydrogen cracking stress intensity and stacking-fault energy.« less

4 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of coupled diffusion and cohesive zone modelling is presented as a method for numerically assessing hydrogen embrittlement of a steel structure, and the model is able to reproduce single experimental results by appropriate fitting of the cohesive parameters, but there appears to be limitations in transferring these results to other hydrogen systems.

62 citations

01 Sep 2016
TL;DR: The SF-BREEZE project examined the technical, regulatory, and economic feasibility of a high-speed passenger ferry powered solely by hydrogen fuel cells and its associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure within the context of the San Francisco Bay as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The SF-BREEZE project examined the technical, regulatory, and economic feasibility of a high-speed passenger ferry powered solely by hydrogen fuel cells and its associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure within the context of the San Francisco Bay. In conjunction with a naval architect, a realistic, feasible vessel design meeting all performance specifications was produced. Collaboration with and evaluation by both the US Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping did not reveal any insurmountable regulatory obstacles to deployment. The supply of liquid hydrogen to the vessel was examined and viable sites were found at both ports studied. Industrial gas companies were consulted and provided technically viable fueling facility designs. The current design of the zero emission ferry has a cost premium compared to a conventional diesel ferry. Cost reduction strategies specific to the vessel and leveraging those expected in the fuel cell electric vehicle market may result in future cost parity.

30 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the hydrogen embrittlement and hydrogen transport behavior in hydrogen-charged type 304 stainless steel by combined tension and outgassing experiments and found that hydrogen in the surface layer plays the primary role in HE.

19 citations