An evaluation of the properties of As-cast U-rich U–Zr alloys

Change of Composition in Metallic Fuel Slug of U–Zr Alloy from High‐Temperature Annealing

“…19,20 The profile of the Raman spectrum in Figure 3(b) is close to that reported for amorphous carbon (a-C), in which the peaks of D and G bands appear at 1350-1360 cm −1 and 1560-1580 cm −1 , respectively. 23 Accordingly, we propose that these changes in the lattice parameters result from the displacement of uranium by zirconium atoms in the orthorhombic structure, due to the additional solid solution created during annealing. 22 Thus, our Raman data indicate that the U-Zr sample after annealing contained a-C, which could originate from adventitious carbon.…”

“…While no distinct peaks are observed in Figure 3(a), after annealing two peaks occur at 1330 and 1580 cm −1 (Figure 3(b)). 23,24 We have conducted the refinement of diffraction patterns through the Pawley method using the Bruker TOPAS program (Version 4.2) to inspect the change in lattice parameters due to annealing. 19,20 The profile of the Raman spectrum in Figure 3(b) is close to that reported for amorphous carbon (a-C), in which the peaks of D and G bands appear at 1350-1360 cm −1 and 1560-1580 cm −1 , respectively.…”

Physical Metallurgical Studies of Zr-Rich U-Zr Alloys

“…Small numbers of open literatures are available which report a comprehensive study on influence of Zr concentration on the various physical properties of U-rich U-Zr alloys. Lagerberg [8] has reported the phase transformation behavior in U-2wt%Zr and recently the same is re-evaluated by Basak et al [9]. Transformation behaviour on quenching of different U-Zr alloys is described by Hills et al [10].…”

Studies of the reaction between metal fuels and T91 cladding

“…Other impurities are totaling to only 300 ppm as revealed by the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopic (ICP-AES) analysis. Detail chemical composition has been given elsewhere [27]. The alloy buttons obtained were sealed in quartz ampoules that had been evacuated at room temperature to about 1 Â 10 À2 Pa and then filled with He.…”

“…For the metallographic and XRD analyses the alloy slugs were cut into pieces of suitable thickness using slow speed SiC abrasive cut-off wheel. Standard metallographic techniques of U-Zr alloys are given in detail in literature [27,28]. Cu Ka radiation was used for XRD analysis with fixed slit optics and h-h goniometer.…”