MATERIALS FOR ENERGY: THE IMPACT OF APPLYING MODERN MATERIALS SCIENCES

Dr. Jeremy T. Busby

Materials Science and Technology Division, in the Physical Sciences Directorate

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Abstract

The development of new materials and improved understanding of material performance are central to the adoption and deployment of virtually all innovation and technology in many fields, spanning transportation to energy, to medical and everything in between.   However, material performance and degradation are complex issues and can be a limiting factor in the development and deployment of new concepts. For decades, understanding the limits of material performance and designing advanced materials tolerant their service environment has been performed primarily through an experimental Edisonian approach.  Industry observations or operational experience have generated substantial testing matrices so develop materials data trends.  While effective, this approach is often very time and cost intensive. A more efficient approach to understanding is required.  The use of modern materials science provides that more efficient path to solving today’s materials problems. Modern materials and chemical science techniques must be employed to gain new understanding efficiently and cost effectively. This presentation will focus on ORNL’s application of integrated modern techniques (theory, modeling and simulation, and advanced characterization) for a wide range of materials problems, including automotive/transportation, energy production, and material reliability.  

Biography

Dr. Busby is the Division Director for the Materials Science and Technology Division in the Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His contributions range from light water reactors to sodium reactors and space reactor systems as well as research in support of the ITER project. Dr. Busby’s research is focused on materials performance and development of materials for nuclear reactor applications. While at ORNL, Dr. Busby has participated in materials research efforts for space reactors, fusion machines, advanced fast reactors, and light water reactors.  Ultimately, the results of this diverse research will enable the development of operating criteria for structural materials in a variety of adverse environments that will allow for design and operation of safe, reliable, and cost-effective nuclear systems. Dr. Busby was the lead for the Materials Aging and Degradation Pathway for the DOE –Office of Nuclear Energy Light Water Reactor Sustainability Research and Development program from 2009 to 2015.  He also led the Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies Materials Cross-cut effort, in addition to participation in several nuclear industry-sponsored research tasks. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan and has developed and taught his own graduate level course in materials degradation and performance for fission and fusion reactors. He also is heavily involved in the leadership of many professional society activities.

 Reception at 3:30 p.m. in the GTMI Atrium