The development of advanced nuclear fuels requires a better understanding of the transmutation and micro-structural evolution of the materials. Alloy fuels have the advantage of high thermal conductivity and improved characteristics in fuel-cladding chemical reaction. However, information on thermodynamic and thermophysical properties is limited. The objective of this project is to design and build an experimental system to measure the thermodynamic properties of solid materials from which the understanding of their phase change can be determined. The apparatus was used to measure the electromotive force (EMF) of several materials in order to calibrate and test the system. The EMF of chromel was measured from 100°C to 800°C and compared with theoretical values. Additionally, the EMF measurement of Ni-Fe alloy was performed and compared with the Ni-Fe phase diagram. The prototype system is to be modified eventually and used in a radioactive hot-cell in the future.

Volume Subject Area:
Fluid Flow, Heat Transfer and Thermal Systems
Topics:
Alloys, Electromotive force, Fuels, Measurement systems, Chemical reactions, Cladding systems (Building), Design, Electromagnetic measurement, Engineering prototypes, Nuclear fuels, Phase diagrams, Thermal conductivity
This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright © 2010
 by ASME
You do not currently have access to this content.