Fabrication of thin annular fuel according to the APA concept specificities

The APA type assembly concept implements a new type of thin annular fuel rod type, in which the plutonium is associated to an inert matrix. More specifically, this innovating geometry requires to study the possibility of manufacturing such a rod. Al₂O₃ and UO₂ rings were designed by powder cold compaction and sintering. These rings have a satisfactory density and macrostructure but feature deformations caused by certain stages of the manufacturing process. Concurrently, another more innovating solution is examined: vibro-compaction. At the CEA-DEC/SPUA/LCU, the design of a nuclearised vibro-compaction bench, allowing to perform 150 cm long experimental rods, is being studied