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UO2 pore migration and grain growth kinetics

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6042697

A mathematical model for determining the UO/sub 2/ grain growth rate was developed in order to evaluate UO/sub 2/ steady-state creep rates and fracture strengths. This model may also be applied in the postirradiation examination of UO/sub 2/ nuclear fuel rods to estimate fuel temperatures experienced during experiments performed in the Loss-of-Fluid Test (LOFT) facility at the Idaho National Enginering Laboratory. The model was developed from a study of experimental data of UO/sub 2/ grain growth rates and of pore migration rates in UO/sub 2/ and effects of pore size and bubble pressure upon the migration rates. Because pores attached to UO/sub 2/ grain boundaries inhibit the rate of grain growth, a study of grain growth kinetics must consider the UO/sub 2/ pore migration rates.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Engineering Lab., Idaho Falls (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-07-1570
OSTI ID:
6042697
Report Number(s):
CONF-790802--12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English