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U.S. Department of Energy
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NUCLEAR FUEL ELEMENTS HAVING AN AUTOGENOUS MATRIX AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4828533
Designs and production methods for cladding isotopes of uranium and other fissile and fertile materials in a matrix consisting largely of carbon or coke for operation through temperature ranges beyond the vaporization temperature of plutonium carbide are described. The solid fuel is compnised of discrete particles and fragments of fissionable material disposed in a cellular matrix having a plurality of voids therein. This fuel matnix provides containment of the fissionable and fertile isotope fragments through phase changes from solid to liquid and from liquid to solid without rupture of the cells and, at the same time, gaseous products may diffuse and escape without destruction of the cellular matrix. Cermets, ceramics, carbides, or other materials may be used in place of carbon for moderate temperature ranges. (N.W.R.)
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-16-021005
Assignee:
RNB Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 3028330
OSTI ID:
4828533
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English