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Production methods for producting homogeneous uranium-10 wt.% molybdenum fuel-alloy pin with a uniform zirconium cladding have been studied. The effect of various impurities has been investigated and the nature of and methods for ellminating cracking in swaged fuel pins have been examined. A major portion of the results is based on the study of material produced from 25-lb ingot castings. Small expertmental-scale ingots were also employed in impurity, heat-treatment, and cracking studies. On the basis of the data obtained recommendattons concerning casting, fabrication, and heat-treatment techniques necessary to produce a fuel pin of satisfactory integrity are presented. Specifications as to allowable carbon, chromium, iron, nickel, oxygen, and zirconium content are recommended. (auth)

The nonmetallic inclusions in both as-reduced and fabricated dingot U were studied for comparison with those in ingot U. Special attention was paid to the hydride for the purpose of determining the amount and distribution in the various types of U. The types and distribution of other inclusions were also studied. It wss found tbat the dingot U was of a higher quality than ingot U and was comparable to as-reduced derby U on the basis of over-all inclusion count. The H content in dingot U, however, was found to be appreciably higher than in either ingot or derby U. (auth)