Mechanical characteristics of SiC coating layer in TRISO fuel particles

P. Hosemann, J. N. Martos, D. Frazer, G. Vasudevamurthy, T. S. Byun, J. D. Hunn, B. C. Jolly, K. Terrani, M. Okuniewski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particles are considered as advanced fuel forms for a variety of fission platforms. While these fuel structures have been tested and deployed in reactors, the mechanical properties of these structures as a function of production parameters need to be investigated in order to ensure their reliability during service. Nanoindentation techniques, indentation crack testing, and half sphere crush testing were utilized in order to evaluate the integrity of the SiC coating layer that is meant to prevent fission product release in the coated particle fuel form. The results are complimented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the grain structure that is subject to change as a function of processing parameters and can alter the mechanical properties such as hardness, elastic modulus, fracture toughness and fracture strength. Through utilization of these advanced techniques, subtle differences in mechanical properties that can be important for in-pile fuel performance can be distinguished and optimized in iteration with processing science of coated fuel particle production.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-142
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Nuclear Materials
Volume442
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Funding

Instrument access at CAES was supported by the ATR-NSUF user program at Idaho National Laboratory, which is supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy under DOE Idaho Operations Office Contract DE-AC07-051D14517.

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