Abstract: A nuclear fuel cladding with improved thermomechanical properties is provided. The nuclear fuel cladding includes a double-walled construction having inner and outer hexagonal sidewalls. The inner sidewall and the outer sidewall are spaced apart from each other to form a cooling channel therebetween, and the inner sidewall surrounds a nuclear fuel and is spaced apart from the nuclear fuel by a small gap. Helical fins extend into the cooling channel to interconnect the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall. Resilient fingers extend toward the nuclear fuel through the small gap to comply with variations in the size of the nuclear fuel due to fabrication tolerances as well as thermal expansion and swelling of the nuclear fuel, for example UO2, when undergoing fission. The nuclear fuel cladding is formed according to an additive manufacturing process, for example laser powder bed fusion printing.

Abstract: Described herein are additive manufacturing methods and products made using such methods. The alloy compositions described herein are specifically selected for the additive manufacturing methods and provide products that exhibit superior mechanical properties as compared to their cast counterparts. Using the compositions and methods described herein, products that do not exhibit substantial coarsening, such as at elevated temperatures, can be obtained. The products further exhibit uniform microstructures along the print axis, thus contributing to improved strength and performance. Additives also can be used in the alloys described herein.

Abstract: Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of objects can elucidate impacts of various process parameters and qualification of the object. Computed tomography (CT) enables rapid NDE and characterization of objects. However, CT presents challenges because of artifacts produced by standard reconstruction algorithms. Beam-hardening artifacts especially complicate and adversely impact the process of detecting defects. By leveraging computer-aided design (CAD) models, CT simulations, and a deep-neutral network high-quality CT reconstructions that are affected by noise and beam-hardening can be simulated and used to improve reconstructions. The systems and methods of the present disclosure can significantly improve the reconstruction quality, thereby enabling better detection of defects compared with the state of the art.

Abstract: Aluminum-copper-manganese-zirconium alloys for metal additive manufacturing include 5 wt % to 35 wt % copper, 0.05 wt % to 3 wt % manganese, 0.5 wt % to 5 wt % zirconium, 0 wt % to 3 wt % iron, and 0 wt % to less than 1 wt % silicon, with the balance being aluminum. The as-printed alloys may have a microstructure comprising ?? intermetallic precipitates having an average diameter of 0.1 ?m to 0.3 ?m, a microstructure comprising ? intermetallic particles having particle spacing of 50-500 nm with a volume fraction of 0-50%; a microstructure comprising a bimodal distribution of equiaxed grains and columnar grains, or any combination thereof. The as-printed alloys may exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to cast alloys with a similar composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an Al—Ce—Ni alloy for use in additive manufacturing. The disclosed alloy embodiments provide fabricated objects, such as bulk components, comprising a heterogeneous microstructure and having good mechanical properties even when exposed to conditions used during the additive manufacturing process. Methods for making and using alloy embodiments also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an Al—Ce—Cu alloy for use in additive manufacturing. The disclosed alloy embodiments provide fabricated objects, such as bulk components, comprising a heterogeneous microstructure and having good mechanical properties even when exposed to conditions used during the additive manufacturing process. Methods for making and using alloy embodiments also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Described herein are additive manufacturing methods and products made using such methods. The alloy compositions described herein are specifically selected for the additive manufacturing methods and provide products that exhibit superior mechanical properties as compared to their cast counterparts. Using the compositions and methods described herein, products that do not exhibit substantial coarsening, such as at elevated temperatures, can be obtained. The products further exhibit uniform microstructures along the print axis, thus contributing to improved strength and performance. Additives also can be used in the alloys described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are additive manufacturing methods and products made using such methods. The alloy compositions described herein are specifically selected for the additive manufacturing methods and provide products that exhibit superior mechanical properties as compared to their cast counterparts. Using the compositions and methods described herein, products that do not exhibit substantial coarsening, such as at elevated temperatures, can be obtained. The products further exhibit uniform microstructures along the print axis, thus contributing to improved strength and performance. Additives also can be used in the alloys described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of surface-hardened aluminum-rare earth alloys and methods of making the alloys are disclosed. In some embodiments, the alloy comprises aluminum and 4 wt % to 60 wt % of a rare earth component X having a maximum solid solubility of ?0.5 wt % in aluminum. The surface-hardened alloy component has an alloy bulk portion and a hardened alloy surface portion. At least a portion of the hardened alloy surface portion has a Vickers hardness that is at least 30% greater than a Vickers hardness of the alloy bulk portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of surface-hardened aluminum-rare earth alloys and methods of making the alloys are disclosed. In some embodiments, the alloy comprises aluminum and 4 wt % to 60 wt % of a rare earth component X having a maximum solid solubility of ?0.5 wt % in aluminum. The surface-hardened alloy component has an alloy bulk portion and a hardened alloy surface portion. At least a portion of the hardened alloy surface portion has a Vickers hardness that is at least 30% greater than a Vickers hardness of the alloy bulk portion.

Abstract: Described herein are additive manufacturing methods and products made using such methods. The alloy compositions described herein are specifically selected for the additive manufacturing methods and provide products that exhibit superior mechanical properties as compared to their cast counterparts. Using the compositions and methods described herein, products that do not exhibit substantial coarsening, such as at elevated temperatures, can be obtained. The products further exhibit uniform microstructures along the print axis, thus contributing to improved strength and performance. Additives also can be used in the alloys described herein.

Abstract: A composite stainless steel composition is composed essentially of, in terms of wt. % ranges: 25 to 28 Cr; 11 to 13 Ni; 7 to 8 W; 3.5 to 4 Mo; 3 to 3.5 B; 2 to 2.5 Mn; 1 to 1.5 Si; 0.3 to 1.7 C; up to 2 O; balance Fe. The composition has an austenitic matrix phase and a particulate, crystalline dispersed phase.

Abstract: A robotic, prosthetic or orthotic member includes a body formed of a solidified metallic powder. At least one working fluid cylinder is formed in the body. A piston is provided in the working fluid cylinder for pressurizing a fluid in the cylinder. At least one working fluid conduit receives the pressurized fluid from the cylinder. The body, working fluid cylinder and working fluid conduit have a unitary construction. A method of making a robotic member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A robotic, prosthetic or orthotic member includes a body formed of a solidified metallic powder. At least one working fluid cylinder is formed in the body. A piston is provided in the working fluid cylinder for pressurizing a fluid in the cylinder. At least one working fluid conduit receives the pressurized fluid from the cylinder. The body, working fluid cylinder and working fluid conduit have a unitary construction. A method of making a robotic member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite stainless steel composition is composed essentially of, in terms of wt. % ranges: 25 to 28 Cr; 11 to 13 Ni; 7 to 8 W; 3.5 to 4 Mo; 3 to 3.5 B; 2 to 2.5 Mn; 1 to 1.5 Si; 0.3 to 1.7 C; up to 2 0; balance Fe. The composition has an austenitic matrix phase and a particulate, crystalline dispersed phase.