The goal of this program is to understand the radiation damage response of ceramics exposed to neutrons or other energetic particles. Our studies of the damage response of ceramics address two objectives: (1) to predict microstructural evolution in ceramics exposed to radiation; and (2) to identify the physical aspects of ceramics that are effective in promoting radiation resistance. Our ultimate goal is to design new radiation resistant ceramics.

We conduct neutron, ion, and electron irradiation tests on both single and polycrystalline ceramics to evaluate their irradiation damage response. We measure various physical properties (e.g., crystal structure, defect microstructure, optical properties) before and after irradiation to assess the radiation damage sensitivity of different materials. We also perform computer simulations of damage evolution in ceramics to assist in our understanding of radiation damage phenomena in these materials. Our research is focused on highly radiation-resistant ceramics. Oxides that fits this description are magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl₂O₄), cubic-stabilized zirconia (ZrO₂), and fluorite-structured pyrochlores (A₂B₂O₇). We have determined that damage accumulation in these materials occurs at far lower rates than in most other ceramic oxides. We have also found that the ability of a material to accommodate atomic disorder on the sublattices of the crystal structure, plays a key role in the material's ability to resist detrimental radiation damage effects such as volume swelling and radiation-induced amorphization.

A recent direction of our program is to demonstrate the application of these radiation resistant oxides as matrix phases in composite materials. We expect such materials to find application in existing fission reactors, in future fusion reactors or accelerator-based reactors, or as actinide-host ceramic fuelforms and wasteforms.