DART Model for Irradiation-Induced Swelling of Uranium Silicide Dispersion Fuel Elements

Models for the interaction of uranium silicide dispersion fuels with an aluminum matrix, for the resultant reaction product swelling, and for the calculation of the stress gradient within the fuel particles are described within the context of DART fission-gas-induced swelling models. The effects of an aluminide shell on fuel particle swelling are evaluated. Validation of the model is demonstrated by comparing DART calculations with irradiation data for the swelling of U₃SiAl-Al and U₃Si₂-Al in variously designed dispersion fuel elements.