Modeling Ion-Irradiated Mechanical Properties of Novel High-Power Target Materials

Mohammad Shafinul Haque, Angelo State University (Principal Investigator)

Kavin Ammigan, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Co-Investigator)

The research project will develop a reliable framework to accelerate the development of novel materials for next-generation accelerator target facilities. A reverse modeling strategy will be used to design an optimum test matrix. This framework will enable modeling and predicting ion-irradiated mechanical properties using reduced test data, thereby accelerating the development of novel High-Entropy Alloys (HEA) materials for beam window applications. Our research project will include nanoindentation testing and material characterization of several HEAs exposed to ion irradiation. Irradiated mechanical property prediction model and property correlation metamodels will be developed considering traditional and machine learning approaches. Extrapolation will be performed using a data superposition approach to predict the HEAs’ material responses under higher irradiation conditions and the results will be validated against test data. The combined optimum testing matrix and robust modeling techniques will be used to help downselect suitable HEA compositions that are most resistant to beam-induced radiation and thermal shock damage. The development and selection of novel HEAs will ensure reliable operation and improved lifetime of beam windows in next-generation accelerator target facilities, such as the 2.4 megawatts Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility, that will support advancements in high-energy physics research.