I need some international support for a project proposal.
Abstract
Investigations of U alloys have been made due to their higher density, which makes it possible to build compact reactors suitable for small plants or nuclear propulsion. Although having the highest possible density, pure metallic U is unsuitable for use as a fuel due to its mechanical and dilatometric anisotropy. A solution to this problem is the stabilization of the γ phase, with a CCC structure, and isotropic mechanical and dilatometric behaviour. The γ phase can be stabilized with the addition of Nb, Zr, and Mo to the U. The addition of Nb has a complementary effect on the increase in plasticity, the addition of Zr has the complementary effect of increasing the resistance to swelling and the addition of Mo has a complementary effect on the enhancement of the mechanical resistance. Among the alloys studied for application as fuel, the U-7.5Nb-2.5Zr and U-10Mo alloys stand out due to their mechanical properties and high density. One of the technological challenges to be overcome in reactors for metallic fuel is thermal cycling from power transients or accumulation of fission products. This process can compromise the operational safety of the use of fuel alloys due to the process of thermal fatigue. In addition to the fatigue processes, the U-7.5Nb-2.5Zr and U-10Mo alloys undergo phase transformations that compromise their mechanical properties and structural integrity. This project aims to study the microstructural and mechanical evolution of the U-7,5Nb-2,5Zr and U-10Mo alloys under thermal cycling conditions.
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