Effects of Casting Parameters and Impurity Concentrations on As-Cast U–10Mo

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2021 · Progress in Nuclear Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2021.103921· OSTI ID:1820958

Huber, Zachary F. ^[1]; McCoy, Kaylyn M. ^[1]; Athon, Matthew T. ^[1]; Schwerdt, Ian J. ^[1]; Lavender, Curt A. ^[1]

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1. BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)

This work investigates the effects of casting parameter changes on as-cast uranium-10 wt% molybdenum alloys on a 1-2kg scale. A commercial tilt-pour vacuum induction melting system was utilized to study the effects of casting atmosphere, total heating time, hold time at maximum temperature, mold temperature, and crucible type on the as-cast microstructure of U-10Mo. Ten thin plates (5.08 mm thick) and four thick plates (25.4 mm and 63.5 mm thick) were cast and analyzed for carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen impurities. Additionally, molybdenum content and primary dendrite length (PDL) of the microstructure was quantified. A statistical evaluation was performed to identify key carbon and oxygen relationships with operating parameters, impurities, and primary dendrite length. Additional factors investigated include: crucible material, time at maximum temperature, total heating time, and pour temperature. Zirconia crucibles reduced carbon content on average by 35%. Additionally, there was a significant statistical association between carbon and oxygen content, between oxygen content and maximum temperature hold time, between mold temperature and PDL, and between PDL, maximum temperature hold time and mold temperature.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1820958
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-155216
• Journal Information: Progress in Nuclear Energy, Vol. 140
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English