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Metamaterial Void Sensor for Fast Transient Testing

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-SC0018808
Agency Tracking Number: 247260
Amount: $995,546.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 30a
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0001976
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2019
Award Year: 2019
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2019-08-19
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2021-08-18
Small Business Information
2 Davis Drive
Durham, NC 27709-0003
United States
DUNS: 079800916
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Mark Roberson
 (919) 943-5050
 mwr@goldfinchsta.com
Business Contact
 Mark Roberson
Phone: (919) 943-5050
Email: mwr@goldfinchsta.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

After the Daiichi nuclear disaster, the US Congress placed emphasis on accident tolerant fuels for reactors.During accident events, voids in cooling fluid can cause cladding weakening, and it is important to measure these effects in a controlled test.The project develops a fast void detector that can detect and localize voids, with a quantifiable detection limit superior to a capacitive void sensor.The project uses modeling and simulation of the RF sensor and environment, designs RF elements for the harsh environment, and fabricates the devices for temperature and pressure requirements.During Phase I, the effort performed theoretical work to simulate performance.Second, the effort refined the RF sensor designs.Third, the effort fabricated devices.Fourth, the effort demonstrated feasibility with a demonstration of the technology.First, the effort performs theoretical work required to form numerical models and simulations of performance.Second, the effort brings into service an autoclave to produce the temperatures and pressures needed.Third, the project develops the component and sensors to prepare for commercial application.Fifth, the effort develops the software for void sensing and bubble size characterization and migrates experimental software set to a commercialized product.Finally, the project completes by validating the system through a design of experiments and system testing.The proposed effort is a critical part of fuel technology optimization for LWR.The benefits include improved: fuel safety, LWR fuel burnup, and accident tolerance.Understanding void formation will help determine new reactor type fuel safety criteria.The new reactors have applicability for commercial power production, science experimentation (e.g., neutron science), and space propulsion.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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