TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION IN UO$sub 2$ FUEL ELEMENTS

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Journal of Nuclear Materials (Netherlands)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3115(62)90243-X· OSTI ID:4719262

Robertson, J A.L.; Ross, A M; Notley, M J.F.; MacEwan, J R

Evidence is presented that the temperature distribution in fuel elements, in which the UO/sub 2/ is in pressure contact with its sheath, is well- known and predictable. The temperature drops through the fuel itself, across any cracks in the fuel, and across the fuel/sheath interface are discussed. Previous Chalk River results are confirmed and extended without significantly altering any former conclusions. The evidence suggests that only at temperatures below 600 un. Concent 85% C does irradiation significantly decrease the thermal conductivity of UO/sub 2/, up to a burn-up of at least 40,000 Mwd/ton U. Since many of the temperatures in UO/sub 2/ have been deduced from observations on grain growth, some of the factors affecting it were examined; besides the temperature, the time at temperature, the original grain size, and the O: U ratio of the fuel are all important. The data presented permit calculation of the temperature distribution in fuel elements assembled with small diametral clearances. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., Chalk River, Ont.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-021267
• OSTI ID: 4719262
• Journal Information: Journal of Nuclear Materials (Netherlands), Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials (Netherlands) Vol. Vol: 7; ISSN JNUMA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BURNUP
CRACKS
DISTRIBUTION
FUEL CANS
FUEL ELEMENTS
GRAIN SIZE
IRRADIATION
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
SURFACES
TEMPERATURE
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
URANIUM DIOXIDE