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U.S. Department of Energy
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Nerva Fuel Element Development Program Summary Report - July 1966 through June 1972 Extrusion Studies

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/921183· OSTI ID:921183
This part of the completion report pertaining to the NERVA graphite fuel element program covers data collected during the extrusion studies. The physical properties of the fuel element reached the following values: coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) - 7.0 x 10-6/o C (25 - l,OOOo C); modulus of elasticity - 1.5 x lo6 psi; flexural strength - - 8,000 psi; ultimate strain to failure - 5,500 pidin; good thermal stress resistance. Matrices were produced which could be vapor coated with crack-free films of zirconium carbide. The CTE of the matrix was almost equal to the CTE of the zirconium carbide coating.
Research Organization:
Y-12 (Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant (Y-12), Oak Ridge, TN)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
921183
Report Number(s):
Y-1852(Pt.1)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English