Development of Fuels for Light Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plant and TRIGA Research Reactor

Full text: A mock up of the TRIGA research reactor fuel rod was fabricated from stainless steel with the size and appearances similar to the actual fuel rod. Two TRIGA fuel rods were fabricated, being loaded with liquid metal and simulated internal components. After the rods were cut to observe inside, liquid metal was found to be very intact without any void formation. Material compatibility test was performed by immersing several stainless steel plates in two containers containing liquid metal at 120 degree C and 250 degree C. After 1 year and 8 months, no corrosion has been observed. Nuclear fuel for light water reactor nuclear power plant was fabricated. Natural uranium oxide powder extracted from monazite ore was mixed with an appropriate binder and compressed into a solid cylinder ∼ 1.2 cm. in diameter inside a 100-ton hydraulic press using a mould and a puncher made of tungsten carbide. Subsequently, the pellet was sintered at 1200 degree C in an inert atmosphere for 72 hours. The achieved sintered pellet density was 85.9 % TD