Progress on matrix SiC processing and properties for fully ceramic microencapsulated fuel form

K. A. Terrani, J. O. Kiggans, C. M. Silva, C. Shih, Y. Katoh, L. L. Snead

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

78 Scopus citations

Abstract

The consolidation mechanism and resulting properties of the silicon carbide (SiC) matrix of fully ceramic microencapsulated (FCM) fuel form are discussed. The matrix is produced via the nano-infiltration transient eutectic-forming (NITE) process. Coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, and strength characteristics of this SiC matrix have been characterized in the unirradiated state. An ad hoc methodology for estimation of thermal conductivity of the neutron-irradiated NITE-SiC matrix is also provided to aid fuel performance modeling efforts specific to this concept. Finally, specific processing methods developed for production of an optimal and reliable fuel form using this process are summarized. These various sections collectively report the progress made to date on production of optimal FCM fuel form to enable its application in light water and advanced reactors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9-17
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Nuclear Materials
Volume457
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2015

Funding

B. Slone, S. Jurek, W. Porter, T. Geer, J. Su, M. Trammell, and J. Pryor contributed to the experimental investigations. T. Koyanagi provided useful comments on the manuscript. The work presented in this paper was supported by the Advanced Fuels Campaign of the Fuel Cycle R&D program in the Office of Nuclear Energy, US Department of Energy.

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