IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE FABRICATION OF NUCLEAR REACTOR ELEMENTS
A method of fabricating a reactor fuel element composed of UO/sub 2/ enclosed by a sheath is patented. A tube of sheath material such as stainless steel shorter than the desired length and with a cross-sectional area greater than that desired is closed at one end and filled with the desired mass of UO/sub 2/ in powder or granular form. Using vibration and applying a downward force, the UO/sub 2/ is compacted to a density of from 7.0 to 7.2 g/cm/sup 3/, and the other end of the tube is closed. The closed container is worked by rotary swaging to increase the length and reduce the crosssectional area to the desired values, thereby increasing the density of the UO/sub 2/ within the container. Densities of 9.9 g/cm/sup 3/ or greater can be obtained. Various types of end closures for the sheath are described. (M.P.G.)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-029307
- OSTI ID:
- 4712361
- Report Number(s):
- GB 926136
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
FABRICATION OF URANIUM OXIDE FUEL ELEMENTS
The integral fabrication of uranium dioxide fuel elements by rotary swaging