Buducan, K.MLZ* ; Lorand, S. ; Baumeister, B.MLZ* ; Chemnitz, T.MLZ* ; Petry, W.MLZ* ; Stepnik, B. ; Rontard, C. ; Gauché, f.

2022

ISBN: 978-92-95064-38-6

Abstract: Within the framework of the conversion of European High Performance Research Reactors (EU-HPRR) from Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) to lower enriched fuels and in the scope of the European HERACLES initiative, Framatome (CERCA business line) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) are working together to develop and fabricate U-10Mo monolithic fuel for European research reactors and specifically FRM II (Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz, Garching, Germany).Framatome (CERCA business line) has implemented a complete pilot production line, mainly funded by TUM, at their R&D workshop. Aim of this line is the development and optimization of the fabrication process from metal uranium to full-size fuel plates, in depleted uranium (DU) and in Low Enriched Uranium (LEU), while respecting European and French safety rules. The fabrication process includes alloying, casting and canning of U-Mo ingots as well as hot and cold-rolling, cutting and cleaning of full-size U-Mo foils.Within these developments, innovative processes have been implemented, including laser technology for welding the ingot containers before hot-rolling and for cutting the rolled U-Mo foils. This paper reports on the progress made by Framatome (CERCA business line) and TUM on laser processes development for the U-10Mo fuel fabrication process using inert material and DU. It focuses on the laser technology capability to produce tight and strong welds on the ingot containers and to cut foils with the desired quality. The impact of the cutting on the local U-10Mo microstructure is also evaluated.

Keyword(s): Engineering, Industrial Materials and Processing (1st) ; Nuclear Physics (2nd)

1. CNSI-LABS (HEUMEULAB ; CNSI-LABS)

1. HEU-MEU: Brennstoffentwicklung