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Title: Fabrication, characterization, and thermal-property measurements of ThO/sub 2/--UO/sub 2/ fuel materials (LWBR Development Program)

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6745950· OSTI ID:6745950

Thermophysical-property specimens of ThO/sub 2/, ThO/sub 2/-10 wt % UO/sub 2/, and ThO/sub 2/-20 wt % UO/sub 2/ were fabricated and characterized. Each material composition was represented by specimens with nominal densities of 95, 85, and 75 percent of theoretical. Thermal-diffusivity, linear-thermal-expansion, and specific-heat measurements were made at 300 to 1900/sup 0/C and used to determine thermal conductivity. Results of linear-thermal-expansion and specific-heat measurements were approximately the same for all materials. Values of linear thermal expansion ranged up to 2.2 percent in heating from room temperature to 2000/sup 0/C. The specific heat ranged from 0.055 cal/(g) (C) at 0/sup 0/C to 0.080 cal/(g) (C) at 2000/sup 0/C. Thermal-diffusivity values ranged from 3.0 x 10/sup -2/ cm/sup 2/ per sec at 300/sup 0/C to 0.5 x 10/sup -2/ cm/sup 2/ per sec at 1900/sup 0/C. Thermal conductivities decreased in regular fashion with increased UO/sub 2/ content and porosity. An equation is given which fits all of the data obtained; it is anticipated that it will fit the data for other compositions within the given limits. (NSA 22: 47703)

Research Organization:
BMI (Battelle Memorial Institute (United States))
Sponsoring Organization:
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-92; AT(11-1)-GEN-14
OSTI ID:
6745950
Report Number(s):
BMI-X-10210
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English