CARBURIZATION OF AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL BY URANIUM CARBIDES IN SODIUM SYSTEMS
The stability of uranium carbides in sodium-bonded stainless steel cladding was studied in long-term compatibility tests at 1000, 1200, and 1600 l F, out of pile. No apparent carburization of the cladding occurs when the C content of the UC is 4.8 wt% or below. Extensive carburization of Type 304 and Type 347 stainless steels occurs at 1000 l F and above, when the C content of the UC exceeds 4.8 wt%. The degree of cladding carburization increases with the C content of the UC composition. From the results, it was calculated that stainless steel cladding (0.0)0 in. wall thickness) with sodium-bonded, 0.500-in. dia. U--4.9 wt% C fuel could be carburized to an average C content of 0.5 to n at the 1800 d 2.0 wt% in three years of reactor operation at a 1000 l F fuel surface temperature. At a 1200 l F surface temperature, the C level in the cladding could range from n at the 1800 d 1.2 to n at the 1800 d 2.0 wt%. As the fuel diameter increases, the upper carburization limit increases, since the ratio of fuel volume to cladding volume increases. Therefore, 0.800-in. dia. U--4.9 wt% C fuel could carburize the cladding to a maximum 3% level. Results of 300-hr, 1600 l F tests, using transformed and as-cast specimens, indicate C transfer from transformed fuel to the cladding at 1600 l F proceeds at a very slow rate, compared to as-cast fuel. (P.C.H.)
- Research Organization:
- Atomics International. Div. of North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, Calif.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(11-1)-GEN-8
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-023902
- OSTI ID:
- 4708060
- Report Number(s):
- NAA-SR-6246
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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