NSUF 18-1179: Microstructural characterization of ~7% burn-up MOX fuel
Attaining fundamental understanding of fuel performance requires detailed characterization of irradiated fuels under variety of irradiation conditions. In order to improve the overall viability of MOX fuels, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the fuel evolution and the effects on the macroscale properties. The objective of the proposed research is to utilize advanced characterization techniques to conduct detailed microstructural examination of the next in a series of available MOX fuel burnups. The microstructure of high burn-up mixed oxide fuel with local burn-up of 6.7% fissions per initial metal atom (FIMA) will be examined. Characterization will focus on understanding the effects of radial position on the fuel pellet, which will be focused on documenting the effects of irradiation conditions on the local microstructure of the fuel. The proposal will conduct microstructural characterization of the fuel using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe grain morphology, fission product distribution, and dislocation densities, among other features.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Attaining fundamental understanding of fuel performance requires detailed characterization of irradiated fuels under variety of irradiation conditions. In order to improve the overall viability of MOX fuels, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the fuel evolution and the effects on the macroscale properties. The objective of the proposed research is to utilize advanced characterization techniques to conduct detailed microstructural examination of the next in a series of available MOX fuel burnups. The microstructure of high burn-up mixed oxide fuel with local burn-up of 6.7% fissions per initial metal atom (FIMA) will be examined. Characterization will focus on understanding the effects of radial position on the fuel pellet, which will be focused on documenting the effects of irradiation conditions on the local microstructure of the fuel. The proposal will conduct microstructural characterization of the fuel using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe grain morphology, fission product distribution, and dislocation densities, among other features. |
| Award Announced Date | 2018-02-01T14:13:29.57 |
| Awarded Institution | Illinois Institute of Technology |
| Facility | Materials Research Collaborative Access Team (MRCAT) |
| Facility Tech Lead | Alina Zackrone, Jeff Terry |
| Irradiation Facility | None |
| PI | Riley Parrish |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | RTE |
| RTE Number | 1179 |