Effect of High Si Content on U₃Si₂ Fuel Microstructure

Journal Article · 16 November 2017 · JOM. Journal of the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-017-2654-6 · OSTI ID:1562900

Rosales, Jhonathan ^[1]; van Rooyen, Isabella J.  ^[1]; Meher, Subhashish  ^[1]; Hoggan, Rita  ^[1]; Parga, Clemente ^[1]; Harp, Jason  ^[1]

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1. Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

The development of U₃Si₂ as an accident tolerant nuclear fuel has gained research interest due to its promising high uranium density and improved thermal properties. In the present study, three samples of U₃Si₂ fuel with varying silicon content have been fabricated by a conventional powder metallurgical route. Microstructural characterization via scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of other stoichiometry of uranium silicide such as USi and UO₂ in both samples. The detailed phase analysis by x-ray diffraction shows the presence of secondary phases, such as USi, U₃Si, and UO₂. The samples with higher concentrations of silicon content of 7.5 wt.% displays additional elemental Si. Furthermore, these samples also possess an increased amount of the USi phase as compared to that in the conventional sample with 7.3 wt.% silicon. The optimization of U₃Si₂ fuel performance through the understanding of the role of Si content on its microstructure has been discussed.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• OSTI ID: 1562900
• Report Number(s): INL/JOU-17-43263-Rev000; TRN: US2000774
• Journal Information: JOM. Journal of the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, Vol. 70, Issue 2; ISSN 1047-4838
• Publisher: SpringerCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English