b'L D R D S U C C E S S S T O R Y LDRD investments continued to grow INL capabilities in FY20. Through LDRD, researchers steward and expand INLs experimental capabilities, increasing the labs ability to execute advanced nuclear energy research. A project led by Abdalla Abou-Jaoude, who joined INL as a distinguished postdoctoral researcher, demonstrated the feasibility of a salt irradiation loop in the ATR, laying the groundwork for next-generation irradiation testing at ATR.A computer aided design illustration of the Versatile Experimental Salt Irradiation Loop experimentassembly inside the ATR.Powering the Mars 2020 rover, and beyond F Y 2 0 I M PA C TINL assembled, tested, and partnered with the National NuclearThe American Society of Mechanical Security Administration on transportation and radiologicalEngineers (ASME) publishes ASME Boiler and contingency planning for the Multi-Mission RadioisotopePressure Vessel Code that lays out design rules for how Thermoelectric Generator that powers the National Aeronautics andmuch stress is acceptable and specifies the materials that can be Space Administration (NASA) Mars Perseverance rover. Multi-Missionused for power plant construction. In FY20, following years of effort, Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators are ideal for space missionsresearchers from INL, Argonne National Laboratory, and Oak Ridge because they are compact, durable, and reliable, providing continuousNational Laboratory helped qualify Alloy 617 as the first new material power over long periods of time. The generators consist of twoaccepted into the ASME Code in 30 years. Alloy 617, a combination of major elements: a heat source that contains plutonium-238 andnickel, chromium, cobalt, and molybdenum, can be used in advanced thermocouples that convert the plutoniums decay heat energy in thenuclear reactor designs because it allows higher temperature operation. cold of space to electricity.Inclusion of Alloy 617 in the ASME Code provides designers working on new high temperature nuclear power plant concepts with 20% more INL plays a crucial role in providing radioisotope power systemsoptions for component construction materials.to NASA, and ATR continues to expand available positions for plutonium-238 production to support increasing NASA missions. INL is expanding its research to include the nuclear thermal propulsion and fission surface power applications that will be needed for eventual crewed missions to Mars. Alloy 617 was subjected to extensive testing including fluctuations in temperature and physical stress before becoming the first new material added to the ASME Code in 30 years.Vibration testing simulates launch conditions by mounting the radioisotope thermoelectric generator on a vibration table that creates proto-flight test environments.7'