Property measurements of (U_(0.7)Pu_(0.3))O_(2-x) in P_(O2)-controlled atmosphere

摘要

A control technique for O/M ratio was established for measurements of high temperature properties of uranium and plutonium mixed oxide fuels. Sintering behavior, thermal expansion and O/M change of (U_(0.7)Pu_(0.3))O_(2.00) and (U_(0.7)Pu_(0.3))O_(1.99) were investigated in PO_2-controlled atmosphere which was controlled by H_2/H_2O gas system. Sintering behavior changed drastically with O/M ratio, and shrinkage of (U_(0.7)Pu_(0.3))O_(2.00) was faster and more advanced at lower temperatures as compared with (U_(0.7)Pu_(0.3))O_(1.99). Thermal expansion was observed to be slightly increased with decreasing O/M ratio.