NSUF 18-1484: EPMA Characterization of Actinide Redistribution and Fission Product Composition in MOX Fuels
The chemistry of MOX fuels and their secondary fission product phases can have significant impact on the thermal properties of the irradiated fuel. In order to predict the fuel response at varying fuel lifetimes, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the chemistry of the fuel and its constituent phases. This project aims to quantitatively determine the chemistry of irradiated MOX fuel pellets and early and end-of-life burnup conditions. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) will be performed to assess the radial concentration of U, Pu, and Am as a result of actinide redistribution and the chemical nature of secondary fission product phases. Once complete, this project will provide a thorough understanding of the chemical state of MOX fuels and their relevant phases that form during burnup. This information will have a significant impact on the understanding of MOX fuel evolution, with the potential to also aid in improving the accuracy of models used in predictive simulations.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Abstract | The chemistry of MOX fuels and their secondary fission product phases can have significant impact on the thermal properties of the irradiated fuel. In order to predict the fuel response at varying fuel lifetimes, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the chemistry of the fuel and its constituent phases. This project aims to quantitatively determine the chemistry of irradiated MOX fuel pellets and early and end-of-life burnup conditions. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) will be performed to assess the radial concentration of U, Pu, and Am as a result of actinide redistribution and the chemical nature of secondary fission product phases. Once complete, this project will provide a thorough understanding of the chemical state of MOX fuels and their relevant phases that form during burnup. This information will have a significant impact on the understanding of MOX fuel evolution, with the potential to also aid in improving the accuracy of models used in predictive simulations. |
| Award Announced Date | 2018-05-17T11:18:40.94 |
| Awarded Institution | Center for Advanced Energy Studies |
| Facility | Microscopy and Characterization Suite |
| Facility Tech Lead | Alina Zackrone, Yaqiao Wu |
| Irradiation Facility | None |
| PI | Casey McKinney |
| PI Email | [email protected] |
| Project Type | RTE |
| RTE Number | 1484 |