Measurements of Fine Structures in the Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Alloy Melts by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Abstract

The implementation of the Generation IV nuclear reactors and a spallation target of the accelerated driven system (ADS) concerning to the use of liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) alloy. The liquid LBE alloy should be fully characterized and especially its physical properties should be completely known to make sure the nuclear safety. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments were employed on LBE alloy at a temperature range of room temperature (RT) to 500°C to detect the structure phase transition and obtain the thermal effect of LBE alloy. The results of DSC curves showed that there existed two remarkable thermal signal events at the melting points zones of Pb and Bi during the melting process tested with a scan rate of 2°C/min. Even though the scan rate was increased to 5°C/min, the DSC signal still exhibited the changes of curve slop at the element melting point zone. Just this interesting DSC thermal signal change phenomenon around 300°C contributed to the relationship with the explanation on the severe embrittlement of T91 steel induced by liquid LBE alloy. The results suggest that there existed effective critical size and form of chemical clusters in liquid LBE alloy worked actively on the embrittlement of T91 Steel.