Dispersion type metal-metal based high-density fuels for nuclear reactors – sample preparation, analysis and examination of LOCA behaviour

Metal-based nulear fuels have been proposed as an alternative to UO2 partly in response to increasing pressure to continually improve nuclear system safety. In this work, a set of High-Density Fuel samples manufactured from depleted uranium alloys and Zr-based matrix have been manufactured and evaluated in the as-manufactured and post-LOCA conditions. A qualitative analysis of the samples showed that the matrix and fuel behaviour is mostly consistent with theory and available research while quantitative analysis revealed a major impact of fuel element geometry on packing density and distribution. Fuel–matrix–cladding interactions of varying intensity have also been observed during fabrication and under LOCA conditions.