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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

DYNAPAK EXTRUSION OF I & E FUEL ELEMENTS. PHASE II. TECHNICAL ACTIVITY ALPHA PHASE

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4753133

BS>A series of extrusion experiments were conducted to study the behavior of natural uranium I& E fuel elements under the influence of DYNAPAK extrusion. Results confirm that these elements can be successfully extruded. Metallographic examination reveals that included die entrance angles lower than 120 degrees favor the extrusion of tubes with a negligible amount of banding and improved quality. No one die or mandrel material was determined wholly satisfactory for high energy rate extrusion purposes during these tests. Complementary activity helped establish a 1/2-inch die extension as most compatible with the tooling setup, and 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick carbon follower block requirement to fully empty the liner depending upon die entrance angle and extrusion temperature. Lengths of only 8 inches were extruded, but in no way represented the maximum potential of the unit. Dimensional control of these elements continues to be safisfactory, particularly on the inner diameter. Surface quality was also maintained at a high level indicating a need for little or no machining touch up. (auth)

Research Organization:
Bridgeport Brass Co., Conn.
NSA Number:
NSA-17-016604
OSTI ID:
4753133
Report Number(s):
BRB-69
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English