논문 상세보기
pp.344-353
The recent development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the adoption of higher-enrichment fuels have intensified the need for advanced burnable absorbers to ensure effective reactivity control and extended fuel cycles. Among various designs, UO2 fuels with high Gd2O3 (gadolinium oxide) content provide notable benefits; in particular, they are compatible with established fabrication methods for burnable absorber fuels. However, achieving a homogeneous dispersion of Gd2O3 at high loading levels remains challenging, and the frequent occurrence of phase segregation and non-uniform microstructures can limit fuel reliability and performance. Overcoming these limitations requires an understanding of the powder characteristics and mixing behaviors during fabrication. In this study, we investigate the effects of the initial particle size and mixing method of UO2 and Gd2O3 powders on the microstructure and mixing homogeneity of high-Gd2O3-content fuels. The findings indicate that both the mixing method and the preparation state of the starting powders significantly affect the resulting microstructure and mixing uniformity.
2. Experimental
3. Results and Discussion
3.1 Gd2O3 함량 증가 및 혼합 공정에 따른 입자 및 미세구조 영향 확인
3.2 초기 입자 크기 제어가 혼합 균질성과 소결 거동에 미치는 영향 확인
4. Conclusion
Funding
Conflict of Interest
Data Availability Statement
Author Information and Contribution
Acknowledgments
References
