EVALUATION OF THORIUM-URANIUM ALLOYS FOR THE UNCLAD-METAL BREEDER REACTOR

摘要

The literature on thorium-uranium alloys was surveyed for information relative to the use of a Th-20% U alloy for the fuel element for the Unclad-Metal Breeder Reactor. The applicable physical, fabrication, and irradiation properties for a range of thorium-uranium alloy compositions are summarized. Several methods are available for manufacturing the fuel element, but the feasibility of most of the proposed methods has not been demonstrated for this alloy. Limited data indicate that the alloy will have the irradiation stability to reach the design life of 33,000 Mwd/metric ton at ≤ 650°C. The dis¬tribution of the phases in the alloy is determined by the fabrication technique and will influence the properties of the fuel element. Compatibility of the fuel with the sodium coolant was not considered for this report.