Low Enriched Fuels tor NRU - Developments In Fabrication and Irradiation

Abstract

Low enriched uranium silicide dispersion fuels are under development for use in Canadian test reactors.These 20% enriched dispersion fuels are to replace the current 93% enriched uranium-aluminum alloy driver fuels. The reduced enrichment is intended to reduce the risk of illegal diversion for weapons proliferation. Developments in uranium silicide dispersion manufacturing technology have proven the production viability of the fuel. Success in the radiation testing of the dispersion fuels in min+element form has led to the irradiation of seven full-size fuel assemblies.