NSUF 24-4847: Post-Irradiation Analysis of U-Pu-Zr Fuel Incorporating Am and Np Actinides: Fuel-Cladding Interactions in EBR-II and Advanced Microscopic Examination

In pursuit of understanding the integration of minor actinides in metallic fuel systems, this study delves into a comprehensive post-irradiation analysis of U-Pu-Zr fuel, augmented with Am and Np actinides. Leveraging samples from the X501 experimental assembly with a composition of U-20.2Pu-9.1Zr-1.2Am-1.3Np, the investigation primarily centers around fuel-cladding interactions under irradiation in the EBR-II reactor. Preliminary electron microscopy findings highlighted a porous center, diverse phase decomposition, and secondary precipitates, with a conspicuous infiltration of Am on the cladding's inner wall. Suspecting that such behaviors might be attributed to the high vapor pressures of elements like Am (and potentially Sm), a hypothesis was formed. To further validate or refine this hypothesis, advanced microscopic tools, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Probe Tomography (APT), are proposed. TEM aims at delivering sub-micron compositional analysis, while APT promises 3D atomic-scale element mappings. The cumulative results from these methodologies will offer profound insights into the implications of minor actinides in metallic nuclear fuels, potentially guiding the design and operation of future reactor systems.

추가 정보

필드	값
Award Announced Date	2024-02-02T12:16:17.157
Awarded Institution	Idaho National Laboratory
Facility Tech Lead	Alina Montrose
Irradiation Facility
PI	Di Chen
PI Email	[email protected]
Project Type	RTE
RTE Number	None