Four-point Bend Testing of Irradiated Monolithic U-10Mo Fuel

Four-point Bend Testing of Irradiated Monolithic U-10Mo Fuel

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Published: 2015

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ISBN-13:

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This paper presents results of recently completed studies aimed at characterizing the mechanical properties of irradiated U-10Mo fuel in support of monolithic base fuel qualification. Mechanical properties were evaluated in four-point bending. Specimens were taken from fuel plates irradiated in the RERTR-12 and AFIP-6 Mk. II irradiation campaigns, and tests were conducted in the Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The monolithic fuel plates consist of a U-10Mo fuel meat covered with a Zr diffusion barrier layer fabricated by co-rolling, clad in 6061 Al using a hot isostatic press (HIP) bonding process. Specimens exhibited nominal (fresh) fuel meat thickness ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.64 mm, and fuel plate average burnup ranged from approximately 0.4 x 1021 fissions/cm3 to 6.0 x 1021 fissions/cm3. After sectioning the fuel plates, the 6061 Al cladding was removed by dissolution in concentrated NaOH. Pre- and post-dissolution dimensional inspections were conducted on test specimens to facilitate accurate analysis of bend test results. Four-point bend testing was conducted on the HFEF Remote Load Frame at a crosshead speed of 0.1 mm/min using custom-designed test fixtures and calibrated load cells. All specimens exhibited substantially linear elastic behavior and failed in a brittle manner. The influence of burnup on the observed slope of the stress-strain curve and the calculated fracture strength is discussed.


Microstructural Analysis of Irradiated U-Mo Fuel Plates

Microstructural Analysis of Irradiated U-Mo Fuel Plates

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Published: 2012

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Microstructural characterization of irradiated dispersion and monolithic RERTR fuel plates using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is being performed in the Electron Microscopy Laboratory at the Idaho National Laboratory. The SEM analysis of samples from U-Mo dispersion fuel plates focuses primarily on the behavior of the Si that has been added to the Al matrix to improve the irradiation performance of the fuel plate and on the overall behavior of fission gases (e.g., Xe and Kr) that develop as bubbles in the fuel microstructure. For monolithic fuel plates, microstructural features of interest, include those found in the U-Mo foil and at the U-Mo/Zr and Zr/6061 Al cladding interfaces. For both dispersion and monolithic fuel plates, samples have been produced using an SEM equipped with a Focused Ion Beam (FIB). These samples are of very high quality and can be used to uncover some very unique microstructural features that are typically not observed when characterizing samples produced using more conventional techniques. Overall, for the dispersion fuel plates with matrices that contained Si, narrower fuel/matrix interaction layers are typically observed compared to the fuel plates with pure Al matrix, and for the monolithic fuel plates microstructural features have been observed in the U-10Mo foil that are similar to what have been observed in the fuel particles found in U-Mo dispersion fuels. Most recently, more prototypic monolithic fuel samples have been characterized and this paper describes the microstructures that have been observed in these samples.


Observations Derived From the Characterization of Monolithic Fuel Plates Irradiated as Part of the RERTR-6 Experiment

Observations Derived From the Characterization of Monolithic Fuel Plates Irradiated as Part of the RERTR-6 Experiment

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Published: 2007

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Evaluation of the PIE results of the monolithic plates that were irradiated as part of the RERTR-6 experiment has continued. Specifically, comparisons have been made between the microstructures of the fuel plates before and after irradiation. Using the results from the rigorous characterization that was performed on the as-fabricated plates using scanning electron microscopy, it is possible to improve understanding of how monolithic fuel plates perform when they are irradiated. This paper will discuss the changes that occur, if any, in the microstructure of a monolithic fuel plate that is fabricated using techniques like what were employed for fabricating RERTR-6 fuel plates. In addition, the performance of fuel/cladding interaction layers that were present in the fuel plates due to the fabrication process will be discussed, particularly in the context of swelling of these layers and how these layers exhibit different behaviors depending on whether the fuel alloy in the fuel plate is U-7Mo or U-10Mo.


Recent Accomplishments in the Irradiation Testing of Engineering-Scale Monolithic Fuel Specimens

Recent Accomplishments in the Irradiation Testing of Engineering-Scale Monolithic Fuel Specimens

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Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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The US fuel development team is focused on qualification and demonstration of the uranium-molybdenum monolithic fuel including irradiation testing of engineering-scale specimens. The team has recently accomplished the successful irradiation of the first monolithic multi-plate fuel element assembly within the AFIP-7 campaign. The AFIP-6 MKII campaign, while somewhat truncated by hardware challenges, exhibited successful irradiation of a large-scale monolithic specimen under extreme irradiation conditions. The channel gap and ultrasonic data are presented for AFIP-7 and AFIP-6 MKII, respectively. Finally, design concepts are summarized for future irradiations such as the base fuel demonstration and design demonstration experiment campaigns.


The Metallurgy of Zirconium

The Metallurgy of Zirconium

Author: Benjamin Lustman

Publisher:

Published: 2013-05

Total Pages: 794

ISBN-13: 9781258715175

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Contributing Authors Include H. Etherington, R. C. Dalzell, D. W. Lillie And Others.


Materials and Processes

Materials and Processes

Author: Barrie D. Dunn

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-12-29

Total Pages: 677

ISBN-13: 3319233629

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The objective of this book is to assist scientists and engineers select the ideal material or manufacturing process for particular applications; these could cover a wide range of fields, from light-weight structures to electronic hardware. The book will help in problem solving as it also presents more than 100 case studies and failure investigations from the space sector that can, by analogy, be applied to other industries. Difficult-to-find material data is included for reference. The sciences of metallic (primarily) and organic materials presented throughout the book demonstrate how they can be applied as an integral part of spacecraft product assurance schemes, which involve quality, material and processes evaluations, and the selection of mechanical and component parts. In this successor edition, which has been revised and updated, engineering problems associated with critical spacecraft hardware and the space environment are highlighted by over 500 illustrations including micrographs and fractographs. Space hardware captured by astronauts and returned to Earth from long durations in space are examined. Information detailed in the Handbook is applicable to general terrestrial applications including consumer electronics as well as high reliability systems associated with aeronautics, medical equipment and ground transportation. This Handbook is also directed to those involved in maximizing the relia bility of new materials and processes for space technology and space engineering. It will be invaluable to engineers concerned with the construction of advanced structures or mechanical and electronic sub-systems.


Material Properties of Unirradiated Uranium-Molybdenum (U-Mo) Fuel for Research Reactors

Material Properties of Unirradiated Uranium-Molybdenum (U-Mo) Fuel for Research Reactors

Author: International Atomic Energy Agency

Publisher:

Published: 2020-10-12

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13: 9789201157201

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This publication presents the material properties of all unirradiated Uranium-Molybdenum (U-Mo) fuel constituents that are essential for fuel designers and reactor operators to evaluate the fuel's performance and safety for research reactors. Many significant advances in the understanding and development of low enriched uranium U-Mo fuels have been made since 2004, stimulated by the need to understand irradiation behavior and early fuel failures during testing. The publication presents a comprehensive overview of mechanical and physical property data from U-Mo fuel research


Structure-Property Relations in Nonferrous Metals

Structure-Property Relations in Nonferrous Metals

Author: Alan Russell

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2005-07-08

Total Pages: 440

ISBN-13: 0471708534

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This junior/senior textbook presents fundamental concepts ofstructure property relations and a description of how theseconcpets apply to every metallic element except iron. Part One of the book describes general concepts of crystalstructure, microstructure and related factors on the mechanical,thermal, magnetic and electronic properties of nonferrous metals,intermetallic compounds and metal matrix composites. Part Two discusses all the nonferrous metallic elements from twoperspectives: First it explains how the concepts presented in PartOne define the properties of a particular metallic element and itsalloys. Second is a description of the major engineering uses ofeach metal. This section features sidebar pieces describingparticular physical property oddities, engineering applications andcase studies. An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutionsto all the problems in the book is available from the Wileyeditorial department. An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all theproblems in the book is available from the Wiley editorialdepartment.


Introduction to Surface Engineering

Introduction to Surface Engineering

Author: P. A. Dearnley

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-01-16

Total Pages: 798

ISBN-13: 1316785084

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This highly illustrated reference work covers the three principal types of surface technologies that best protect engineering devices and products: diffusion technologies, deposition technologies, and other less commonly acknowledged surface engineering (SE) techniques. Various applications are noted throughout the text and additionally whole chapters are devoted to specific SE applications across the automotive, gas turbine engine (GTE), metal machining, and biomedical implant sectors. Along with the benefits of SE, this volume also critically examines SE's limitations. Materials degradation pathways - those which can and those which cannot be mitigated by SE - are rigorously explained. Written from a scientific, materials engineering perspective, this concise text is supported by high-quality images and photo-micrographs which show how surfaces can be engineered to overcome the limits of conventionally produced materials, even in complex or hostile operating environments. This book is a useful resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as professional engineers.