Seeing through nuclear fuel: Three-dimensional, nondestructive X-ray microscopy and volumetric analyses of neutron-irradiated TRISO-coated fuel kernels

Cordes, Nikolaus L.; Chuirazzi, William C.; Kane, Joshua J.; Stempien, John D.

doi:10.1557/s43580-021-00167-1

Title: Seeing through nuclear fuel: Three-dimensional, nondestructive X-ray microscopy and volumetric analyses of neutron-irradiated TRISO-coated fuel kernels

Journal Article · 14 December 2021 · MRS Advances (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/s43580-021-00167-1 · OSTI ID:1907637

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

The three-dimensional (3D) characterization of nuclear fuel with X-ray microscopy has historically proven difficult, due to uranium’s high attenuation of easily accessible X-rays, both in a laboratory setting and at a synchrotron user facility. However, this imaging modality provides nondestructive information that can be used to investigate morphological changes arising from external stimuli (e.g., neutron irradiation, high-temperature testing). Using an appropriate X-ray energy spectrum and an adequate X-ray filter, suitable transmissions through properly sized nuclear fuel specimens can be achieved. Here, in this study, we present the methods and results of using a commercially available, laboratory-based X-ray microscope (XRM) to examine the extent of 3D morphological changes of tristructural isotropic (TRISO)-coated fuel particles, specifically uranium oxide/uranium carbide fuel kernels, after high-temperature neutron irradiation.

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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:: 1907637

Report Number(s):: INL/JOU-21-64091-Rev000

Journal Information:: MRS Advances (Online), Journal Name: MRS Advances (Online) Journal Issue: 47-48 Vol. 6; ISSN 2731-5894

Publisher:: Springer NatureCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Title: Seeing through nuclear fuel: Three-dimensional, nondestructive X-ray microscopy and volumetric analyses of neutron-irradiated TRISO-coated fuel kernels

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