Structural, Thermophysical, and Radiation Shielding Properties of Lead–Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) Synthesized by Induction Melting
Source abstract
Abstract
Lead–bismuth eutectic alloy (LBE, Pb44.5Bi55.5) has emerged as a promising candidate for use in advanced nuclear and solar energy systems due to its favorable thermophysical characteristics and radiation shielding capabilities. The aim of this research is to assess the applicability of the induction melting technique to synthesize LBE. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the structural, thermophysical, and radiation shielding properties of the obtained LBE sample. Various techniques were employed to investigate the solid-to-liquid eutectic transformation, phase composition, morphology, and homogeneity of the obtained material. Experimental and theoretical determinations on density, void, molar volume, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and electrical conductivity were performed. Radiation shielding performance over photon energies ranging from 0.015 to 15 MeV was simulated using the Phy-X/PSD program. The results revealed the eutectic structure comprising Pb7Bi3 and Bi phases with near-ideal stoichiometry and a melting point of 127.6 °C. The alloy demonstrated a small void that corresponds to a high degree of sample compaction, high specific heat capacity, moderate thermal conductivity, low thermal diffusivity, and effective radiation shielding. These findings confirm that LBE obtained by the induction melting technique possesses the necessary structural stability and functional properties for integration into nuclear reactor and solar thermal technologies.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Radiation Shielding Materials Analysis · Nuclear materials and radiation effects · Thermodynamic and Structural Properties of Metals and Alloys
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Materials, Energy and Advanced Technologies Department, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Faculty of Physics, Babeş-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, 1 Kogălniceanu, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Funding
Ministry of Education and Scientific Research
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