Uranium silicide pellet fabrication by powder metallurgy for accident tolerant fuel evaluation and irradiation

In collaboration with industry, Idaho National Laboratory is investigating uranium silicide for use in future light water reactor fuels as a more accident resistant alternative to uranium oxide base fuels. Specifically this project was focused on producing uranium silicide (U3Si2) pellets by convent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of nuclear materials 2015-11, Vol.466 (C), p.728-738
Main Authors: Harp, Jason M., Lessing, Paul A., Hoggan, Rita E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
accident tolerant fuel
Accidents
Densification
Density
Irradiation
NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
Nuclear fuels
Pellets
Powder metallurgy
Uranium silicide
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Summary:In collaboration with industry, Idaho National Laboratory is investigating uranium silicide for use in future light water reactor fuels as a more accident resistant alternative to uranium oxide base fuels. Specifically this project was focused on producing uranium silicide (U3Si2) pellets by conventional powder metallurgy with a density greater than 94% of the theoretical density. This work has produced a process to consistently produce pellets with the desired density through careful optimization of the process. Milling of the U3Si2 has been optimized and high phase purity U3Si2 has been successfully produced. Results are presented from sintering studies and microstructural examinations that illustrate the need for a finely ground reproducible particle size distribution in the source powder. The optimized process was used to produce pellets for the Accident Tolerant Fuel-1 irradiation experiment. The average density of these pellets was 11.54 ± 0.06 g/cm3. Additional characterization of the pellets by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction has also been performed. Pellets produced in this work have been encapsulated for irradiation, and irradiation in the Advanced Test Reactor is expected soon. •A process to consistently produce high density U3Si2 pellets was developed.•Proper milling of the U3Si2 to produce the correct particle sized distribution was essential for final product consistency.•This process was used to produce pellets for irradiation in the Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Laboratory.
ISSN:0022-3115
1873-4820
DOI:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2015.06.027