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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Production test IP-665-A, evaluation of hot-die-sized end bonding processes

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10146479· OSTI ID:10146479
Investigations of possible operational limitations of the ALSi bonded e elements and the need for a replacement or alternate fuel fabrication process have been lender way for several years. Recently, one fuel manufacturing process, hot-die-sized diffusion bonding, has been intensely examined and irradiation testing of this new fuel type began in 1963. This production test is one additional step in evaluating the new fuel fabrication process. The objective of this test is to evaluate the effect end-bonding techniques on the irradiation behavior of hot-die-sized diffusion bonded fuel elements. Three types of fuel elements will be used in this test: (1) hot-die-sized diffusion bonded elements which have been end bonded by the resistance heating method; (2) hot-die-sized diffusion bonded elements which have been end bonded by the induction heating method; and (3) standard production AlSi bonded fuel elements. Twelve columns of fuel containing the three element types alternated throughout the columns will be irradiated in the test. Twelve smooth-bore Zircaloy-2 process tubes in the C Reactor will be utilized for this test; consequently, all fuel elements of this test are self-support models. These fuel columns will be irradiated to average exposures of 800 Mwd/t. Examination and measurement of the elements of this test will take place in the 105=C Metal Examination Facility.
Research Organization:
General Electric Co., Richland, WA (United States). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
10146479
Report Number(s):
HW--81015; ON: DE94010548
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English