OMR FLAT PLATE FUEL ELEMENT FABRICATION

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1960 · Nuclear Sci. and Eng.

OSTI ID:4173886

Alm, G V; Garrett, E E; Binstock, M H

The methods used for fabrication of finned aluminumclad flat plate fuel elements are discussed. Uranium3.5 wt.% Molybdenum alloy core plates were fabricated by vacuum casting in graphite molds. The uranium alloy plate was electroplated with nickel and inserted into an extruded aluminum sheath containing external fins. Aluminum end plugs were inserted to complete the fuel plate assembly. A core-to-cladding metallurgical bond was obtained by hot gas pressing (isostatic pressing) the assembly. Bonded plates were end machined, inspected, stacked, clipped, and loaded into a stainless steel container box. Cast stainless steel end hardware was then affixed by heliarc welding to the respective box ends to result in the completed fuel element. Methods for process control are discussed. Preliminary irradiation results are presented which indicate that the elements produced by the described process are suitable for organic moderated reactor use. (auth)

• Research Organization: Atomics International Div., North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, Calif.
• NSA Number: NSA-14-007752
• OSTI ID: 4173886
• Journal Information: Nuclear Sci. and Eng., Journal Name: Nuclear Sci. and Eng. Vol. Vol: 7
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ALUMINUM
BONDING
CASTING
CLOSURES
COATING
CONTROL
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTROPLATING
EXTRUSION
FABRICATION
FINS
FUEL ELEMENTS
GASES
HELIUM
INSPECTION
IRRADIATION
MACHINING
MATERIALS TESTING
METALS, CERAMICS, AND MATERIALS
MOLYBDENUM ALLOYS
NICKEL
ORGANIC MODERATOR
PLATES
PRESSURE
REACTORS
SHELLS
STAINLESS STEELS
URANIUM ALLOYS
VACUUM
WELDING