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Fabrication Development of APM Alloys for Fuel Elements

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4822028· OSTI ID:4822028
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.
The development work being done at Atomics International, to adapt aluminum powder metallurgical products (APM) for organic reactor fuels, is described. An APM alloy (Alcoa M257 alloy), containing 5 to 7 wt % finely dispersed Al2O3 in a pure aluminum matrix, was tentatively selected as a cladding for UO2 fuel pellets, on the basis of its superior creep and tensile properties at temperatures to 900 °F. Mechanical properties of M257 alloy, together with its formability, weldability, and adaptability to fuel element requirements, are described. Details of the following fabrication developments are presented: 1) Description of APM finned fuel cladding tubes formed to close tolerances by impact extrusion. Tube dimensions were 0.305-in. ID by 0.030-in. wall containing eight longitudinal external fins. 2) Extruded APM square box shapes for fuel bundle containment. 3) Silver eutectic diffusion bonding process development for obtaining end closures in M257 aluminum fuel tubes. 4) Special techniques used for assembly and thermocouple instrumentation of M257 clad, uranium dioxide fueled prototype fuel elements.
Research Organization:
North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
DOE Contract Number:
AT(11-1)-GEN-8
NSA Number:
NSA-16-005684
OSTI ID:
4822028
Report Number(s):
NAA-SR--6213
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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