NSUF 18-1370: TEM analysis of Irradiated MOX fuel
MOX fuels offer the potential to power next generation nuclear reactors, while simultaneously eliminating long half-life Pu from long term storage. In order for MOX fuel to remain viable, additional research is necessary to study fuel evolution over its operating lifetime. The proposed project aims to study the effects of burnup and thermal restructuring on the microstructural and chemical behavior of MOX fuels. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the project will examine fuels with burnups of 3.4%, 5.8%, and 6.7% fissions per initial metal atom (FIMA) to examine the radial evolution of the fuel and compare the behaviors at ascending burnup conditions. Elemental redistribution, fission product analysis, and dislocation behaviors are of particular interest to this project, as they have direct implications on the thermal and mechanical properties associated with irradiated fuels. Upon completion, this project will provide a snapshot into the operating lifetime of MOX fuels and will be implemented into future design considerations for safe and efficient MOX fuel deployment.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | MOX fuels offer the potential to power next generation nuclear reactors, while simultaneously eliminating long half-life Pu from long term storage. In order for MOX fuel to remain viable, additional research is necessary to study fuel evolution over its operating lifetime. The proposed project aims to study the effects of burnup and thermal restructuring on the microstructural and chemical behavior of MOX fuels. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the project will examine fuels with burnups of 3.4%, 5.8%, and 6.7% fissions per initial metal atom (FIMA) to examine the radial evolution of the fuel and compare the behaviors at ascending burnup conditions. Elemental redistribution, fission product analysis, and dislocation behaviors are of particular interest to this project, as they have direct implications on the thermal and mechanical properties associated with irradiated fuels. Upon completion, this project will provide a snapshot into the operating lifetime of MOX fuels and will be implemented into future design considerations for safe and efficient MOX fuel deployment. |
| Award Announced Date | 2018-05-17T10:51:48.067 |
| Awarded Institution | None |
| Facility | None |
| Facility Tech Lead | Alina Zackrone |
| Irradiation Facility | None |
| PI | Riley Parrish |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | RTE |
| RTE Number | 1370 |