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

URANIUM DIOXIDE FABRICATION

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4779321

The techniques developed for fabricating (UO/sub 2/ fuel element cores and swageable powders at HAPO are described. A simplified flow chart of some of the processes is presented. Types of fuel cores fabricated since the program began in 1956 are indicated. The experiences and observations are related both in fabricating the uranium dioxide fuel element cores for the variety of test element studied in connection with the Plutonium Recycle Program and in fabticating the dense granular uranium dioxide used for the PRTR fuel loading of swaged 19-rod cluster fuel elements. Types of UC/sub 2/ powders encountered and methods of characterizing, activating, and preparing them for forming operations are detailed. Cold pressing, isostatic pressing, extrusion, and high energy impact forming processes are described, as are sintering, machining, and crushing operations. (auth)

Research Organization:
General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
DOE Contract Number:
AT(45-1)-1350
NSA Number:
NSA-17-000513
OSTI ID:
4779321
Report Number(s):
HW-64684
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English