Experimental fuel elements of UO2 clad in metallic sheaths were fabricated by swaging, rolling, and coextrusion. The effects of the type of UO2 and of the materials and dimensions of the sheath were investigated. Fused UO2 swaged in stainless steel tubing reached a maximum density of 93% of theoretical.

Nuclear Fuel Elements: Design, Fabrication and Performance is concerned with the design, fabrication, and performance of nuclear fuel elements, with emphasis on fast reactor fuel elements. Topics range from fuel types and the irradiation behavior of fuels to cladding and duct materials, fuel element design and modeling, fuel element performance testing and qualification, and the performance of water reactor fuels. Fast reactor fuel elements, research and test reactor fuel elements, and unconventional fuel elements are also covered. This volume consists of 12 chapters and begins with an overview of nuclear reactors and fuel elements, as well as fuel element design and development based on the reactor operator's approach, materials scientist's approach, and interdisciplinary approach. The reader is then introduced to different types of nuclear fuels and their irradiation behavior, considerations for using cladding and duct materials in fuel element design and development, and fuel element design and modeling. The chapters that follow focus on the testing of fuel element performance, experimental techniques and equipment for testing fuel element designs, and the performance of fuels for water reactors. Fuel elements for gas-cooled reactors, fast reactors, and research and test reactors are also described. The book concludes with an assessment of unconventional fuel elements. This book will be useful to fuel element technologists as well as materials scientists and engineers.

The fabrication of UO/sub 2/ fuel elements clad in metallic sheaths by swaging, rolling, and coextrusion was investigated. The effects of the type of UO/sub 2/ and of the materials and dimensions of the sheath were investigated. Fused UO/sub 2/ swaged in stairless-steel tubing reached a maximum density of 93% of theoretical. (auth).

Uranium for Nuclear Power: Resources, Mining and Transformation to Fuel discusses the nuclear industry and its dependence on a steady supply of competitively priced uranium as a key factor in its long-term sustainability. A better understanding of uranium ore geology and advances in exploration and mining methods will facilitate the discovery and exploitation of new uranium deposits. The practice of efficient, safe, environmentally-benign exploration, mining and milling technologies, and effective site decommissioning and remediation are also fundamental to the public image of nuclear power. This book provides a comprehensive review of developments in these areas. - Provides researchers in academia and industry with an authoritative overview of the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle - Presents a comprehensive and systematic coverage of geology, mining, and conversion to fuel, alternative fuel sources, and the environmental and social aspects - Written by leading experts in the field of nuclear power, uranium mining, milling, and geological exploration who highlight the best practices needed to ensure environmental safety