30b Foam-Lattice Composite Impact Limiter

Impact limiters are required to ensure safe transport of radioactive material, preventing catastrophic spills during collisions which would expose the public to nuclear radiation. Current impact limiters are manufactured using old growth wood, which is unsustainable for the expected increase in nuclear energy generation. The development of a new, lightweight, isotropic, and high energy absorption material for impact limiters is required to facilitate the growth of nuclear energy, allowing clean and consistent energy for high energy consumption innovations. We will develop a novel composite, combining high energy absorbing syntactic foams with high specific-strength lattice structure to create a foam-lattice composite. Foam-lattice composites will boast increased energy absorbance, reduced density, and a smaller footprint compared to wood impact limiter alternatives. Within the composite, lattice structures will provide static strength required to support spent fuel cask loads. All lattice voids will be filled with high energy absorbing syntactic foams, allowing greater absorption as lattice structures crumple during impact. During Phase I, we will design three different foam-lattice composites, selecting optimal lattice structures that provide sufficient static strength while allowing the inclusion of syntactic foams for increased energy absorption. Each composite will be modeled to iteratively optimize lattice design and composite performance. Prototype foam-lattice composites will be manufactured and tested for energy absorption under quasistatic conditions. An optimal composite will be selected based on testing and manufactured as a mid-scale prototype. A drop test will be conducted following 10 CFR part 71 to exemplify impact limiter performance and manufacturability. High energy absorption foam-lattice composites will be developed for impact limiters. Improved energy absorption will support the growth of nuclear energy production, allowing for proper transportation of radioactive material and ensuring public safety during collisions. Improved transportation of spent nuclear fuel will encourage nuclear power growth and aid in the development of high energy consumption markets such as artificial intelligence and highperformance computation. The proposed compact and light weight composite impact limiter will be applicable to all radioactive and reactive material transporters.