Thesis
Investigation of recrystallization and second phase particles in lightly deformed U-10Mo nuclear fuel
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004239
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/118624
Abstract
Uranium 10 wt% Molybdenum (U-10Mo) is being explored as a replacement for highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuels used in advanced research and test reactors. In this study, the microstructural evolution and effect of second phase particles (uranium carbides) during the recrystallization of depleted U-10Mo are analyzed. The U-10Mo microstructure and evolution that occurs during recrystallization are important due to their influence on the fuels performance and swelling kinetics in reactor operation. Second phase particles are known to have a significant influence on the microstructure of metals undergoing thermomechanical processing. However, their effect throughout the manufacturing process of U-10Mo is not well understood. In this work, U-10Mo homogenized at 900 ˚C for 48 hours and hot rolled to 20% reduction was annealed at 600˚C in 10-300 minute increments for a total of 22 hours. Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) was employed in a specifically marked area to observe the microstructure and effects of uranium carbides at various stages of recrystallization. The results show that upon deformation, dislocations are accumulated in the vicinity of uranium carbides which serve as nucleation sites for randomly oriented grains during annealing. This suggests particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) as a mechanism for recrystallization in U-10Mo.
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Details
- Title
- Investigation of recrystallization and second phase particles in lightly deformed U-10Mo nuclear fuel
- Creators
- Jacqueline Irene Reeve
- Contributors
- David P Field (Advisor) - Washington State University, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School of
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900896420201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis