IRRADIATION BEHAVIOR OF MICROSPHERES OF U-ZR ALLOYS

In order to understand the fundamental behavior of metallic fuels, mic rospheres of U-Zr alloys were prepared and irradiated. The microsphere s of about 0.8 mm phi were formed by solidifying fused droplets of U-Z r alloys. Irradiation temperatures were controlled by external electri c heating. Burnup reached 1.5 at%. After the irradiation, fractional r elease of fission-product gases, dimensional change and microstructure were examined. The results mere compared with the analysis by a metal -fuel performance code ALFUS. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.