Tests in which aluminum-jacketed, Al-Si bonded uranium fuel elements were baked at various temperatures have shown there is a time-temperature relationship for Al-Si layer decomposition. For heat transfer and secondary coolant barrier considerations, the extent of bonding layer deterioration during fuel element irradiation is important. Under present reactor operating conditions, Al-Si bonded fuel elements show evidence of internal bond deterioration, and to a lesser degree, external bond deterioration following irradiation. Such evidence has aroused concern for the ability of the Al-Si bonding layer to withstand future reactor operating conditions. Currently, several potential uranium fabrication and canning process improvements are being …
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Publisher Info:
General Electric Co., Richland, WA (United States). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
Place of Publication:
Richland, Washington
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Description
Tests in which aluminum-jacketed, Al-Si bonded uranium fuel elements were baked at various temperatures have shown there is a time-temperature relationship for Al-Si layer decomposition. For heat transfer and secondary coolant barrier considerations, the extent of bonding layer deterioration during fuel element irradiation is important. Under present reactor operating conditions, Al-Si bonded fuel elements show evidence of internal bond deterioration, and to a lesser degree, external bond deterioration following irradiation. Such evidence has aroused concern for the ability of the Al-Si bonding layer to withstand future reactor operating conditions. Currently, several potential uranium fabrication and canning process improvements are being developed to further advance fuel element stability and performance. Optimization of process conditions based on these improvements may provide the necessary Margin of safety for good bond layer integrity during irradiation. Before a decision can be made to continue improvement of the present process or convert to a new canning process, more information on the stability of the present fuel element bond is needed. The purpose of this report is to summarize data derived from past and present testing and to recommend courses of action to more fully evaluate Al-Si bond integrity under anticipated future reactor operating conditions.
Physical Description
16 p.
Notes
OSTI as DE94011083; Paper copy available at OSTI: phone, 865-576-8401, or email, reports@adonis.osti.gov
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