NSUF 14-514: Effects of Minor Element Additions in AA6061 on the Microstructural Evolution of the Interaction Region between U-Mo Alloys and AA6061 Claddings

The interaction regions that develop between U-Mo alloys and Al-alloy 6061(AA6061) require detailed characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with sample preparation via Focused Ion Beam (FIB) to determine the effect of the minor element additions of the AA6061. The AA6061 contains minor element additions that can significantly modify the phase development within the interaction regions that develop between U-Mo alloys and AA6061 during fuel plate manufacturing. Prior characterization by SEM on diffusion couples of U-Mo alloys vs. AA6061 tentatively identified several possible phases that develop within the interaction regions, but lacking crystallographic characterization, confirmation of these phases has not been possible. Positive identification of these phases is required to support the Department of Energy (DOE) efforts to develop low enriched fuel for research test reactors. The results will also shed light onto the post-irradiation microstructures observed in fuel plate systems previously irradiated at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR).

Additional Info

Field	Value
Abstract	The interaction regions that develop between U-Mo alloys and Al-alloy 6061(AA6061) require detailed characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with sample preparation via Focused Ion Beam (FIB) to determine the effect of the minor element additions of the AA6061. The AA6061 contains minor element additions that can significantly modify the phase development within the interaction regions that develop between U-Mo alloys and AA6061 during fuel plate manufacturing. Prior characterization by SEM on diffusion couples of U-Mo alloys vs. AA6061 tentatively identified several possible phases that develop within the interaction regions, but lacking crystallographic characterization, confirmation of these phases has not been possible. Positive identification of these phases is required to support the Department of Energy (DOE) efforts to develop low enriched fuel for research test reactors. The results will also shed light onto the post-irradiation microstructures observed in fuel plate systems previously irradiated at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR).
Award Announced Date	2014-08-11T00:00:00
Awarded Institution	None
Facility	None
Facility Tech Lead	Yaqiao Wu
Irradiation Facility	None
PI	Emmanuel Perez
PI Email	[email protected]
Project Type	RTE
RTE Number	514