FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF GAS-PRESSURE BONDING OF ZIRCALOY-CLAD FLAT-PLATE URANIUM DIOXIDE FUEL ELEMENTS

摘要

The effects of core barrier coatings, void spaces, and surface-cleaning techniques on the quality of Zircaloy-clad flat-plate UO2 fuel elements prepared by gas-pressure bonding were investigated in a continuation of the development program reported in BM1-1374nTechniques were developed for the application of barrier layers of chromium by a vapor-deposition process and of crystalline carbon by a pyrolytlc process These coatings, together with a graphite coating developed previously, were then evaluated in pressure-bonded fuel elements for their effectiveness in preventing core-to-cladding reaction and for their general production feasibility Crystalline carbon coatings 15 to 40 μ in thick and chromium coatings 25 to 40 μ in thick were determined to be satisfactory