Transient behavior of oxide fuels with controlled microstructure and Cr2O3 additive

Zhao, Dong; Ban, Heng; Yang, Kun; Broussard, Andre; Li, Mingxin; Lahoda, Edward J.; Lian, Jie

doi:10.1038/s41529-024-00486-2

Title: Transient behavior of oxide fuels with controlled microstructure and Cr2O3 additive

Journal Article · 16 July 2024 · npj Materials Degradation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-024-00486-2 · OSTI ID:2403591

; Ban, Heng; Yang, Kun;

; Li, Mingxin; Lahoda, Edward J.;

Abstract Microstructure and Cr ₂ O ₃ doping profoundly impact the thermal-mechanical properties and fracture of oxides fuels. It is a challenge to study the transient behavior of nuclear fuels under loss-of-coolant-event (LOCA). In this study, the crack behavior of UO ₂ pellets with controlled grain structure and Cr ₂ O ₃ doping was tested with rapid power ramping (300−900 °C per min) mimicking a prototypical LOCA heating profile. Dense micron-sized UO ₂ pellets display well-maintained integrity without cracking with the ramping up to 1500 °C at a heating rate of 8 °C per second. Fracture occurs in both pure and Cr ₂ O ₃ -doped dense nano-sized UO ₂ pellets. The Cr ₂ O ₃ doped oxide fuel pellet with a larger grain size (~ 22.2 μm) displays the best performance under LOCA testing due to its highest thermal conductivity under high temperature. FEA calculations suggest a temperature gradient across the fuel pellet during transient testing, resulting in residual stress and cracking, which can be correlated with their thermal-mechanical properties.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: NONE; NE0009209

OSTI ID:: 2403591

Journal Information:: npj Materials Degradation, Journal Name: npj Materials Degradation Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 8; ISSN 2397-2106

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United Kingdom

Language:: English

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