2007 International RERTR Meeting

Abstracts and Available Papers Presented at the Meeting

Observations Derived from the Characterization of Monolithic Fuel Plates Irradiated as Part of the RERTR6 Experiment

D. D. Keiser, Jr., A. Robinson, and M. R. Finlay*

Idaho National Laboratory P. O. Box 1625 Scoville, ID 83415-6188

* Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization

ABSTRACT

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.

 

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