Mechanical properties of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/
The mechanical properties of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ have been examined in the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory mechanical test facility built to handle ..cap alpha..-radioactive materials. Compression tests were conducted as a function of temperature, strain rate, grain size, density, and storage time. At temperatures less than or equal to 1400/sup 0/C, test specimens of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ exhibit pseudobrittle behavior due to internal cracks. Plastic deformation is ''localized'' at the crack tips. Generalized plastic deformation is observed at 1500/sup 0/C. Ultimate stress values decrease markedly with increasing temperature and decreasing strain rate, and decrease less with decreasing density, increasing storage time, and increasing grain size. Room temperature fracture is transgranular, whereas intergranular fracture predominates at elevated temperatures. Crack-free specimens of /sup 239/PuO/sub 2/ exhibit extensive plastic deformation at 1000/sup 0/C and above. The relationship of these test results to the impact properties of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ fuel in radioisotope thermoelectric generators is discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 7311410
- Report Number(s):
- LA-6529; TRN: 77-011418
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Helium bubbles at grain boundaries of high-density $sup 238$PuO$sub 2$ shards
Effect of helium bubbles at grain boundaries on the fracture characteristics of high-density /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/
Related Subjects
PLUTONIUM DIOXIDE
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
PLUTONIUM 238
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CHALCOGENIDES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HEAVY NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
NUCLEI
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLUTONIUM COMPOUNDS
PLUTONIUM ISOTOPES
PLUTONIUM OXIDES
RADIOISOTOPES
TRANSURANIUM COMPOUNDS
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
360203* - Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories- Mechanical Properties