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Understanding nanoscale composition and structure of U-10Mo alloys.


EMSL Project ID
49193

Abstract

PNNL as a part of the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) Convert program is working on converting the high enriched uranium (HEU) fuel currently used in civilian research and test reactors to low enriched uranium fuels (LEU) to permanently secures the site by removing the threat posed by continued HEU operations. Several experimental programs aimed at developing of LEU fuels are in progress at PNNL in collaboration with other national laboratories and require detailed characterization of the microstructure of these fuels as a function of various processing methods and composition of raw materials. The materials consist primarily of cast or heat treated or rolled depleted uranium-10Mo alloy plates. The primary microstructure of these plates consists of U-Mo BCC matrix with other impurity phases like Uranium carbides, MoSi2 or oxide precipitates. In order to ensure the quality of the U-10Mo fuel plates as a function of different processing parameters and composition of raw materials, detailed microstructural characterization of the final U-10Mo alloys needs to be conducted using electron microscopy, xray diffraction and atom probe tomography. This EMSL proposal is submitted to obtain access to EMSL instrumentation in EMSL radiochemistry annex and in EMSL building for this nationally and globally significant project.

Project Details

Start Date
2015-12-04
End Date
2016-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Arun Devaraj
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

Curt Lavender
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Vineet Joshi
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory