STUDIES FOR THE PREPARATION OF ZIRCONIUM-CLAD URANIUM-10 w/o MOLYBDENUM FUEL PINS

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)