Thermochemical behavior of gallium in weapons-material-derived mixed-oxidelight water reactor (LWR) fuel

The use of weapons-derived plutonium in light water reactor (LWR) fuel must consider the effects of up to 1 mass % of gallium that is used in weapons plutonium alloy. The potential effects of this residual gallium have been e xamined for 5% PuO2-95% UO2 from a thermochemical standpoint. The state and effect of gallium in the fuel are predicted, based on the oxygen potential of the fuel and the effects of burn-up. The possibility of vapor-phase tra nsport of gallium to the fuel dad and potential interaction with the clad a lso is assessed.