Okan Yetik
Project Title: Comprehensive high-resolution neutron imaging investigation of hydride redistribution in non-/irradiated zirconium-based claddings
Okan Yetik completed his BSc degrees in Metallurgy and Materials Science and Engineering at Kocaeli University in Turkey, followed by an MSc in Mechanical Engineering at the same university. After, he completed his second MSc in Corrosion Control Engineering at the University of Manchester. Now, at the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland), he continues his PhD. Okan’s work focuses on the characterization of hydride reorientation in non-/irradiated Zr-based claddings by using the high-resolution neutron imaging technique (PSI Neutron Microscope).
Inhomogeneous distribution and orientation of hydrides, which are strongly affecting the mechanical integrity of zirconium-based (Zr-based) claddings, vary with hydrogen concentration, temperature and stress load gradients and irradiation damage. Therefore, understanding hydride reorientation is a concern for the safe handling and storage of spent nuclear fuels. High-resolution neutron imaging (HR-NI) has gained interest as an unrivalled method for the quantitative spatially resolved assessment of the hydride accumulation in Zr-based claddings. However, a better quantification methodology still needs to be established on the HR-NI technique that is specifically interested in irradiated claddings. This project aims to develop an understanding of hydride behaviour in non-/irradiated Zr-based claddings and as well to establish a methodology for the quantitative spatially resolved HR-NI assessment.