The Use of Spherical UO₂ in a Cermet Fuel Plate

The results of efforts to use plasma-spheroidized UO2 particles in the preparation of a UO2-nickel-chromium alloy cermet fuel plate are described. Mechanical property data have been obtained permitting property comparisons between the plate containing plasma-spheroidized fuel and other types of fueled and unfueled plates. The plate containing spherical fuel possesses significantly better ductility and somewhat more consistent properties than other fuel plates tested. The results of an irradiation experiment with the plate containing spheroidized fuel show its performance to be equivalent to the best of those for which data have been published; however, further testing is required to establish whether a definite superiority exists.