2006 International RERTR Meeting

Abstracts and Available Papers Presented at the Meeting

Results of Low-Enriched U-Mo Miniplates from RERTR-6 and -7A Irradiation

- Preliminary analysis of the effect of silicon on the irradiation behavior of
U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel -

G. L. Hofman, Yeon Soo Kim, Ho Jin Ryu
Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Ave, Argonne, IL 60439, USA

D. Wachs, M. R. Finlay
Idaho National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-6188, USA

ABSTRACT

The irradiation of U-Mo fuel dispersed in a matrix of aluminum results in the formation of an interaction product that coats the fuel particle surface. In some instances pores form at the interface between the interaction product and the aluminum matrix. Depending on the irradiation conditions, the pores may grow, and linkup to form larger pores, or in severe cases form a continuous network that results in unacceptable pillowing of the fuel plate. Such observations have been made in the US and in other international irradiation experiments. Metallurgical and thermodynamic analysis suggests that the interaction product occurring in UMo/ Al dispersion fuel may be rendered stable through the addition of Si to the Al matrix, and Zr or Ti to the U-Mo fuel alloy. The initial results of irradiation tests with Si additions are presented, showing that appropriate amount of Si additions to Al matrix substantially reduce the extent of U-Mo/Al interdiffusion and eliminate the formation of porosity.

 

---

---