Grain Growth in Corundum Oxides-Doped Uranium Dioxide and Effects of Grain Growth to the Mechanical Properties of Uranium Dioxide such as Elasticity Determined by Ultrasonic Methods

Abstract

In this study, ex-ADU UO 2 powders are doped by small amounts of various corundum oxides such as Cr 2 O 3 , Ti 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , V 2 O 3 . Doped UO 2 powders were pressed up 50% theoritical density (TD) and sintered under 90% Ar + 10% H 2 atmospheres at 1700 ˚C for duration of 4 hours. Pellet densities, longitudinal and shear wave ultrasonic velocities for each pellet were measured. Average grain diameter for each pellet was found by image analysis system. Elastic properties of pellets were determined from ultrasonic measurements.

Evolutionary Enhancements to UO2

“…Some evidence exists that Y 2 O 3 may also inhibit grain growth [6], while the studies with V 2 O 5 have shown varying results. [6,7,8,9] The solid solubility of the additive in UO 2 is a key aspect to its effect upon grain growth. [9] All additives in solid solution are believed to increase material transport rates.…”