Study of the compaction parameters affecting cracks in high density thorium oxide fuel pellets (LWBR development program)

Technical Report · Mon Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1980

OSTI ID:6689302

Burke, T J; Myers, C J; Swanson, R E

This investigation characterizes the double action compaction process through a study of the punch force and press motions involved in the operation of a Dorst model mechanical compacting press. Thorium oxide pellets were pressed with length-to-diameter ratios ranging from 0.25 to 1.95 and green densities of 55 to 64% theoretical density to identify controlling press parameters affecting crack type defects in the sintered high density pellet structure. Edge cracking was determined to be a compaction induced defect resulting from overpressing at the top of the pellet. Reduction in edge cracking without sacrificing geometric green density was achieved by control of the pellet axial density gradient.

• Research Organization: Bettis Atomic Power Lab., West Mifflin, PA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC11-76PN00014
• OSTI ID: 6689302
• Report Number(s): WAPD-TM-1255; TRN: 81-002956
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
FUEL PELLETS
COMPACTING
LWBR TYPE REACTORS
THORIUM OXIDES
CRACKS
DEFECTS
PRESSING
SHIPPINGPORT REACTOR
SINTERED MATERIALS
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
BREEDER REACTORS
CHALCOGENIDES
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
FABRICATION
MATERIALS
MATERIALS WORKING
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PELLETS
POWER REACTORS
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTORS
THERMAL REACTORS
THORIUM COMPOUNDS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
210500* - Power Reactors
Breeding
050700 - Nuclear Fuels- Fuels Production & Properties