Papers by Keyword: U-Mo Alloy

Abstract: A solid-to-solid, U-7wt.%Mo vs. Mg diffusion couple was assembled and annealed at 550°C for 96 hours. Themicrostructurein the interdiffusion zone and the development of concentration profiles were examined via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. A TEM specimen was prepared at the interface between U-7wt.%Mo andMgusing focused ion beam in-situ lift-out. The U-7wt.%Mo alloy was bonded well tothe Mg at the atomic scale, without any evidence of oxidation, cracks or pores.Despite the good bonding, very little or negligible interdiffusion was observed.This is consistent with the expectation based on negligible solubilities according to the equilibrium phase diagrams. Along with other desirableproperties, Mgis a potential inert matrix or barrier materialfor U-Mo fuel alloy systembeing developed forthe Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor (RERTR) program.

Abstract: For the last 30 years high uranium density dispersion fuels have been developed in order to accomplish the low enrichment goals of the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) Program. Gamma U-Mo alloys, particularly with 7 to 10 wt% Mo, as a fuel phase dispersed in aluminum matrix, have shown good results concerning its performance under irradiation tests. Thats why this fissile phase is considered to be used in the nuclear fuel of the Brazilian Multipurpose Research Reactor (RMB), currently being designed. Powder production from these ductile alloys has been attained by atomization, mechanical (machining, grinding, cryogenic milling) and chemical (hydriding-dehydriding) methods. This work is a part of the efforts presently under way at IPEN to investigate the feasibility of these methods. Results on alloy fabrication by induction melting and γ-stabilization of U-10Mo alloys are presented. Some results on powder production and characterization are also discussed.

Abstract: This paper presents selected experimental observations of phase constituents, growth kinetics, and microstructural development of aluminide phases that develop in solid-to-solid diffusion couples assembled with U-7wt.%Mo, U-10wt.%Mo and U-12wt.%Mo vs. Al and 6061 alloy after a diffusion anneal at 600°C for 24 hours. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and transmission electron microscopy via focused ion beam in-situ lift-out were employed to characterize the interaction layer that develops by interdiffusion. While concentration profiles exhibited no significant gradients, microstructural analysis revealed the presence of extremely complex and nano-scale phase constituents with presence of orthorhombic--U, cubic-UAl3, orthorhombic-UAl4, hexagonal-U6Mo4Al43 and diamond cubic-UMo2Al20 phases. Presence of multi-phase layers with microstructure, which suggest a significant role of grain boundary diffusion, was observed.