ETD EMBARGOED

Formation and Consolidation of UN nanostructures in U-Mo Fuel via Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering

Embargoed until 2025-06-08.
Citation

Zillinger, James Matthias. (2023-05). Formation and Consolidation of UN nanostructures in U-Mo Fuel via Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering. Theses and Dissertations Collection, University of Idaho Library Digital Collections. https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/etd/items/zillinger_idaho_0089n_12535.html

Title:
Formation and Consolidation of UN nanostructures in U-Mo Fuel via Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering
Author:
Zillinger, James Matthias
ORCID:
0000-0002-8235-3285
Date:
2023-05
Embargo Remove Date:
2025-06-08
Keywords:
mechanical alloying nanostructuring spark plasma sintering U-Mo
Program:
Nuclear Engr & Industrial Mgmt
Subject Category:
Nuclear engineering; Materials Science
Abstract:

Uranium-molybdenum (U-Mo) alloys show promise as a nuclear fuel system due to their high thermal conductivity and high fuel loading capability. However, U-Mo systems suffer from irradiation induced swelling ultimately affecting the cladding via mechanical and chemical interaction. To address these shortcomings, this thesis investigated the formation of uranium mononitride (UN) nanoparticles within a U-10Mo matrix. To promote the formation of UN, U-10Mo powders were mechanically alloyed under a high purity nitrogen cover gas (99.9995%) atmosphere. Variations were made in stainless steel milling media size, duration of milling, and number of times the milling jar was re-aerated with nitrogen gas. UN nanoparticulates were successfully formed within the U-Mo matrix and was characterized utilizing light element analysis, X-ray diffractometry, scanning and transmission-electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and atom probe tomography. Presence of the UN nanoparticles was found as early as 1-hour into the mechanical alloying process, and significant iron contamination found after 10-hours of milling. The U-Mo/UN powders were compacted using spark plasma sintering techniques in order to stabilize the nanostructure.

Description:
masters, M.S., Nuclear Engr & Industrial Mgmt -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-05
Major Professor:
Charit, Indrajit
Committee:
Zhao, Haiyan; Choudhury, Samrat; Jaques, Brian
Defense Date:
2023-05
Identifier:
Zillinger_idaho_0089N_12535
Type:
Text
Format Original:
PDF
Format:
application/pdf

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