OUT-OF-PILE PROPERTIES OF MIXED URANIUM-PLUTONIUM CARBIDES. Progress Report, February 6, 1962-October 31, 1962

Technical Report · Wed Sep 18 04:00:00 EDT 1963

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4159280· OSTI ID:4159280

Strasser, A; Stahl, D; Taylor, K

Fabrication studies to produce high density solid solutions of 80% UC-- 20% RaC, with reproducible structure, composition, and density, were completed. Two types of material were produced: (U/sub 0.8/Pu/0.2/)C/sub 0.95/, single-phase monocarbide pellets with average densities of 12.8 g/cm/sup 3/ (94% of theoretical), sintered at 1950 deg C; and (U/sub 0.8/Pu/0.2/) C/sub 0.95/ + 0.1 wt% Ni sintering aid, major monocarbide and minor amount of sesquicarbide pellets, with average densities of 13.1 g/cm/sup 3/ (96.5% of theoretical) sintered at 1550 deg C. Bar-shaped thermal expansion specimens were fabricated of UC, prior to fabrication of similar (U,Pu)C specimens. UC pellets were fabricated for electropolishing and liquid-metal bonding studies. Chemical analysis procedures were established, and checked, for plutonium, nitrogen, and oxygen. Chemical analysis procedures for carbon are being estsblished. The experimental setups for the measurement of coefficient of thermal expansion, thernial stability, melting point, and fuel cladding compatibility were completed. Testing of thermal expandsion, vapor pressure, and melting point standards was initiated. UCliquid metal-tantalum compatibility tests were completed, and (U,Pu)C-liquid metal-tantalum compatibility specimens were prepared. These tests are to help in choosing a liquid-metal bond for the thermal conductivity test. The pre-installation tests for the safe performance of the high temperature measurements glove box were nearly completed. (auth)

• Research Organization: United Nuclear Corp. Development Div., White Plains, N.Y.; Carborundun Co. Research and Development Div., Niagara Falls, N.Y.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-18-000610
• OSTI ID: 4159280
• Report Number(s): UNC-5065
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ADDITIVES
BINDING ENERGY
CARBON
CLEANING
CONFIGURATION
DENSITY
EXPANSION
FABRICATION
FUEL CANS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
LIQUID METALS
MATERIALS TESTING
MELTING POINTS
METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
MIXING
NICKEL
NITROGEN
OXYGEN
PELLETS
PHASE DIAGRAMS
PLUTONIUM CARBIDES
PRESSURE
PRODUCTION
REACTORS
RODS
SINTERING
SOLID SOLUTIONS
STABILITY
TANTALUM
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
URANIUM CARBIDES
VAPORS