SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1962
STP44382S

Some Consequences of Excess Oxygen in UO

Source

The adverse effect of excess oxygen on the irradiation performance of UO2 was demonstrated empirically. Subsequent in-reactor experiments confirmed that finding and helped to explain it.

The thermal conductivity of nonstoichiometric uranium oxide during irradiation has been deduced from thermocouple measurements, and from the observed amount of central melting for known heat ratings. The conductivity of UO2.12 is approximately 0.8 times that of UO2.0; for UO2.19 the corresponding figure is 0.4. Observed differences in the diametral expansion of the sheaths supported these deductions.

The consequences of accepting nonstoichiometric uranium oxide for highly rated fuel elements have been estimated. It is concluded that an oxygen: uranium atomic ratio greater than 2.01 should be avoided.

Author Information

Robertson, J, AL
Fuel Development Branch, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., Chalk River, Ont., Canada
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Developed by Committee: E10
Pages: 3–15
DOI: 10.1520/STP44382S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5966-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-6120-7