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TEM-based phase characterization of U–19Pu–10Zr irradiated in ATR

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Abstract

This article reports the results of the microstructural examination of the irradiated U–19Pu–10Zr fuel. New insights gained using selective area electron diffraction analysis in a transmission electron microscope provide crystallographic information on the phases previously identified based primarily on the chemical compositions. After irradiation, the microstructure of the fuel separates into γ-(U, Pu, Zr) in the central region with a secondary nanocrystalline UO2 phase, γ-(U, Pu, Zr) with a secondary ZrO2 phase in the intermediate, and ζ-(U, Pu) in the outer regions. While the surface microstructural features and porosity indicate separation into three concentric zones consistent with the existing constituent redistribution model, crystallographically the fuel consists of two zones: inner (with γ-(U, Pu, Zr) as a matrix phase) and outer (with ζ-(U, Pu) as a matrix phase). Our results highlight the importance of crystal structure in phase identification and can be used to supplement the existing constituent redistribution model.

Impact statement

Metal fuels are an excellent fuel choice for generation four (Gen IV) fast reactors because of their high heavy metal density and excellent thermal conductivity. Understanding phases and phase relationships in U–Pu–Zr fuels is critical for understanding fuel behavior because constituent redistribution, fission gas release, swelling, and melting or formation of liquid phases all fundamentally depend on the phases present in the fuel. Multiple phases exist in U–Pu–Zr fuels before and after irradiation and the phases evolve throughout the life of the fuel pin. This study provides novel insights into phases present in irradiated U–Pu–Zr fuels and expands our current understanding of the constituent redistribution. These findings are critical for advancing the basic understanding of metal fuel behaviors because they have the unique and powerful potential to improve uranium utilization and economics, facilitate breed and burn fuel management, and increase safety, which is essential for the future of nuclear energy. Considering the global push for clean energy, one must not discard nuclear energy, which has zero emissions, small land footprint, and minimal waste as compared to other energy sources. Of the existing concepts, metal fuels are considered to be more technologically mature and thus should be prioritized.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy under DOE Idaho Operations Office Contract No. DE-AC07-051D14517 as part of a Nuclear Science User Facilities experiment. A.A.’s time was covered by the Idaho National Laboratory joint appointment supported by the Fuel Cycle Research and Development Program (FCRD). Special thank you to M. Mika and A. Rabin for their help with editing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear Engineering Program, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA

    Thaddeus Rahn & Assel Aitkaliyeva

  2. Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, USA

    Brandon D. Miller, Luca Capriotti & Assel Aitkaliyeva

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  1. Thaddeus Rahn
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Rahn, T., Miller, B.D., Capriotti, L. et al. TEM-based phase characterization of U–19Pu–10Zr irradiated in ATR. MRS Bulletin 48, 351–360 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-022-00422-2

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