IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO FUEL ELEMENTS FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS

Patent · Wed Aug 30 00:00:00 EDT 1961

OSTI ID:4838091

A high-strength fuel element is described which comprises a protective tube containing a matrix of uranium metal or alloy in which are embedded shaped bodies of at least one transition metal of the 4th to 6th or 8th group of the periodic table or an alloy or a compound thereof. The protective tube is of a metal or an alloy having a melting point above that of the uranium metal or alloy employed. The shaped bodies may be wires, rods, fabric, sheet. or rings, and their use not only increases the mechanical strength of the fuel element but also ensures the wetting of the tube walls by the uranium metal or alloy. It is also possible to use the shaped bodies to alter the temperature distribution in the fuel element. The fuel element may be made simply by packing the shaped bodies into the protective tube and then pouring in molten uranium metal or alloy. (D.L.C.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-15-028793
• OSTI ID: 4838091
• Report Number(s): GB 876021
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ALLOYS
CANNING
COMPOUNDS
CONFIGURATION
DISPERSIONS
DISTRIBUTION
FABRICATION
FUEL ELEMENTS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MELTING POINTS
METALS
PATENT
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
TEMPERATURE
TRANSITION METALS
TUBES
URANIUM ALLOYS
VARIATIONS