The AMDTR group has initiated an investigation of the potential for liquid sodium to embrittle certain alloys in a phenomenon known as ‘Liquid Metal Embrittlement’ (LME), which is a failure mechanism where crack growth in alloys under stress is promoted by the presence of a liquid metal, such as liquid sodium. This results in failure at significantly lower loads than would normally be anticipated. An industry stakeholder, Vast Solar, has requested urgent input and characterisation of this failure mechanism as it may affect the viability of their Mt. Isa CSP project. Because of this risk, the LME work has been made a high priority and initial input has been provided to Vast Solar based upon a review of existing knowledge. A technique for measuring the impact of LME has been developed and verified with combinations of alloys and liquid metals that are well known and documented.
Project Funded by Vast Solar.