A set of novel uranium-based alloys has been proposed for use in advanced LEU fuel systems. This study seeks to develop methods to fabricate single-phase alloys and evaluate the compatibilities of the alloys for use in composite fuel systems. The as-cast microstructure of each alloy was characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and candidate alloys were further down-selected for homogenization and interaction testing. The U22Zr20Nb58 alloy was successfully fabricated as a single-phase system, as demonstrated via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM. The thermal and mechanical properties of the U-Nb-Zr alloy were further assessed via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), laser flash analysis (LFA), and Vickers' micro-hardness testing. This alloy also demonstrated improved compatibility with fuel candidate alloys from conventional matrix materials and may be a viable option for use in advanced fuel systems.

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The feasibility of the fabrication of tungsten based nuclear fuel cermets via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is investigated in this work. CeO 2 is used to simulate fuel loadings of UO 2 or Mixed-Oxide (MOX) fuels within tungsten-based cermets due to the similar properties of these materials. This study shows that after a short time sintering, greater than 90 % density can be achieved, which is suitable to possess good strength as well as the ability to contain fission products. The mechanical properties and the densities of the samples are also investigated as functions of the applied pressures during the sintering.

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