Report discussing a study regarding rolling as a technique for making uranium fuel elements that are flat-plate and aluminum-clad.

From abstract: "Results of two methods of reducing the phosphate and vanadate contents of MgX, a uranium precipitate from the Belgian Congo, are described...Chemical analyses of several samples of pitchblende and MgX are presented."

From introduction: Silicon carbide is being considered as a basis material for nonmetallic fuel elements because of its high thermal conductivity, low nuclear cross section, high resistance to thermal rupture, and high degree of stability at high temperature in air. A requirement of the fuel elements is that they be thin and have as low porosity as possible. One shape of element under consideration is 0.050 to 0.070 inch thick by a few inches in width and breadth.

Abstract: "The amount of hydrogen normally present in zirconium and zirconium alloys suffices to reduce their ductility greatly in an impact test at room temperature, after slow cooling from 600 F. Quenching from 600 F or above gives high impact strength, as does removal of hydrogen by high-temperature vacuum annealing. This report discusses the evidence on hydrogen embrittlement, the diffusion, solid solubility, and equilibrium pressure of hydrogen of hydrogen in zirconium, the microstructure, and the effects of hydrogen and heat treatment on the mechanical properties of zirconium."

In studies of the fabrication of fuel subassemblies for the supercritical-water reactor, the limited ductility of stainless steel-UO₂ fuel sheet made the fabrication of corrugated-flat-plate-type subassemblies impractical. A fabricable MTR-type assembly, 5/8 in. square and 30 in. long, was developed. Methods for edge cladding fuel sheet were developed and a brazing alloy, GE-75, was found to be corrosion resistant in supercritical water.

From introduction: "This report describes research on the development of compositions and techniques for porcelain enameling uranium fuel slugs used in Hanford production reactors."

This report discusses three experimental methods used to study the kinetics of the reaction between zirconium and UO2.

This report follows a study that was aimed at the collection of experimental data needed to estimate the maximum safe temperatures and dispersed UO2 contents for MoSi2--UO2 fuel elements exposed to air.

The following report follows the inspections of a number of eddy-current instrument procedures. The objectives of these tests were to detect both weld defects and lack of integrity of the body of the fuel elements.

The following report examines the most suitable enamels recommended for protection of aluminum slug cans.

The following report describes two methods of extrusion cladding of uranium fuel plates that were investigated and evaluated.

Report discussing a study aimed at pinpointing the cause of banding segregation in arc-melted uranium-niobium alloys and suggesting possible methods for eliminating banding.

Abstract: "Fabrication techniques for making metal-ceramic fuel elements containing 60 to 90 volume per cent of UN or UO2 in a Type 302B stainless steel matrix was investigated. A hot press-forging procedure was most successful for fabricating fuel cores with a density of 90 per cent of theoretical or better. This procedure consisted of sealing the cold-pressed core compacts in stainless steel picture-frame packs, heating to 1900 F, and pressing to a total reduction in thickness of 35 per cent. A pressure of approximately 50 tsi ores used. Specimens produced by this method were evaluated on the basis of their microstructure, modules if rupture, electrical conductivity, and resistance to thermal shock. Microscopic and macroscopic examination showed the presence of a continuous metal skeleton even in specimens containing 90 volume per cent fuel. The modulus of rupture at room temperature varied from 22,500 psi for a specimen cnotaining 63 volume per cent UO2. Both the electrical conductivity and resistance to thermal shock of UO2 were improved by the addition of a small volume of metal. Gas-pressure-bonding techniques appear promising for clodding these cores into composite elements."