Physical Metallurgical Studies of Zr-Rich U-Zr Alloys

Abstract

Uranium-zirconium alloy is considered main ingredient for making metallic fuel for Fast Breeder Reactor. Also, Zr-rich U-Zr alloys find applications in dispersion fuel for advance PWR. In this work investigations were carried out on the zirconium rich uranium-zirconium alloys (i.e. U-50wt%Zr, U- 60wt%Zr and U-70wt%Zr) in as-cast as well as in heat treated conditions. Microstructural and dilatometric studies were carried out along with X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) to evaluate the phase content as well as the phase transformation behavior of these alloys under different heat treated conditions. Keywords: