The preparation of the Efttra-T5 americium transmutation experiment

For the EFTTRA-T5 experiment, the irradiation of which is planned in the High Flux Reactor in Petten, Americium-containing zirconia-based inert matrix targets are envisaged, both with and without addition of Plutonium. The power of an Am-target (without Pu) is very low at BOI and slowly increases with irradiation time, because fissile nuclides are formed during irradiation. The addition of Plutonium increases the initial power of the target, such that a high fuel temperature can be obtained at Beginning Of Irradiation (BOI). In this paper the technical preparations of the EFTTRA-T5 experiment will be explained. The calculations of temperature and power profile, leading to the definition of the actual composition of the EFTTRA-T5 targets are presented. In addition, the results of the fabrication tests for the targets are discussed. (author)