Speaker
Description
The fact that neutrons can penetrate deeply makes them an excellent tool for probing the inner
structures of materials, however this property also means that effective management of neutron
radiation is a central challenge in nuclear engineering, neutron beam science and in the
electronics industry. Neutrons also form a significant proportion of space radiation, and therefore
novel, lightweight materials and structures for space radiation shielding are at the forefront of
Australian and international space science development.
Additive Manufacturing provides opportunities for creating novel structures with often complex
geometries
– and in materials not otherwise possible with traditional manufacturing techniques.
We have brought together a team through the ANSTO-UOW Seed Funding Scheme to focus on the question:
“Can the structures and materials made possible by additive manufacturing enable novel solutions
for neutron radiation environments?”
Our work to date has focused on three main themes:
THEME 1 – Polymers for neutron shielding and collimation: particularly focusing on boron
nitride/polymer composites and the possibilities these composites, coupled with 3D printing
techniques, can open for neutron shielding and collimation applications – both terrestrial- and
space-based;
THEME 2 – Low-hydrogen polymers for neutron sample environments: focusing on 3D-printable polymers
for additive manufacturing low-background components for neutron sample environments;
THEME 3 – Metals and alloys for neutron sample environments: investigating additive manufacturing
of metals
– particularly aluminium – and alloys for neutron environment components.
This presentation discusses the opportunities and some of the promising approaches for neutron
environment additive manufacturing and novel composite materials – with specific examples
and initial results from this collaborative endeavour.
Figure 1 - Neutron transmission reduction from different thickness/BN % configurations of boron
nitride/polyurethane composite ples - taken at ANSTO using the Taipan instrument (left); and
titanium 3D printed 'sample t) showing the
capabilities of metal additive manufacturing for producing neutron environment components.
| Level of Expertise | Expert |
|---|---|
| Speakers Gender | Male |
| Do you wish to take part in the poster slam | No |
