Dr. Xiang (Frank) Chen is a Senior R&D staff member within the Materials Science & Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In his role, he leads the Long-Term Performance Pathway for the Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program. Additionally, Dr. Chen acts as the principal investigator for various U.S. Department of Energy initiatives, including those focused on Fossil Energy, Light Water Reactor Sustainability, and Fusion Energy Science.
His research focuses on understanding the mechanical behavior of structural materials in extreme environments, as well as establishing connections between mechanical properties and materials microstructure. With a wealth of expertise, Dr. Chen has contributed significantly to the field, boasting over 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, conference proceedings, and technical reports.
Dr. Chen’s contributions extend beyond publications, as he holds two patents for advanced high-strength steels designed for use in automobile applications. His academic background includes a Ph.D. degree and an M.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, complemented by a B.E. degree in Nuclear Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Links
Publications
Sep, 2026
ORNL Report
Advance Castable Nanostructured Alloys (CNAs) for First-Wall/Blanket Applications
