Design and fabrication of metallic fuel for irradiation test at Joyo

The irradiation test of U-Pu-Zr metallic fuel is planned at Joyo. The aim of this irradiation test is to understand the irradiation behavior of the metallic fuel at maximum cladding temperature above 600degC. It was necessary to consider the specific irradiation behavior of metallic fuel in design. The original design method based on the achievement at EBR-II etc. and adding data of out pile test was developed. As a result, it was shown that the irradiation test condition could be achieved at the high cladding temperature above 600degC. Based on the design, the test fuel pin was fabricated. The fabrication of the six test fuel pins was completed by applying the methods of the casting, assembly and inspection developed by the mock up test. (author)