FABRICATION OF PLUTONIUM-BEARING CERAMIC FUEL ELEMENTS BY VIBRATIONAL COMPACTION
A fabrication process utilizing electromagnetic vibrational energy to compact loose physically mixed PuO/sub 2/- UO/sub 2/ powders clad with zircaloy was developed. After completing the initial tube preparation steps, the tube has the first end cap welded in place. The tube is then prepared for loading by attaching a disposable steel sleeve. The rods are loaded with 140 increments of both coarse and fine materials. When the tube is filled, a tamping rod is inserted in the tube end and the rod is vibrated between 215 and 3000 cps until no further settling of the powder takes place. The process is repeated until the desired core weight is obtained. After loading is completed, the rod is decontaminated and the cap welded on. After welding the rods are etched, autoclaved, and wrapped with zircaloy wires to provide spacing in the cluster. (M.C.G.)
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(45-1)-1350
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-014784
- OSTI ID:
- 4756947
- Report Number(s):
- HW-SA-2682
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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