High resolution TEM of high burnup UO2 fuel

High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) observations and nano-area EDX analyses were carried out on small intragranular bubbles in the outer region of high burnup UO₂ pellets. Sample was prepered from the outer region of UO₂ pellet, which had been irradiated to the pellet average burnups of 49 GWd/t in a BWR. HRTEM observations and element analyses were made with a 200 KV cold-type field emission TEM (Hitachi FE-2000) having an ultra-thin window EDX (Noran Voyager). Lattice image and nano-area EDX results indicate the presence of 4-8 nm size Xe-Kr bubbles along with fission products of five metal particles, Mo-Tc-Ru-Rh-Pd. Nano-diffraction patterns from bubbles show two different new patterns besides matrix UO₂. From the Xe/U proportion obtained by nano-area EDX peak and nano-diffraction patterns from bubbles, it was concluded that Xe in the small bubbles was present in a solid or near solid state at very high pressure. Furthermore, from the results of high resolution images and diffractions obtained from recrystallized grains in rim structure region, neighboring recrystallized grains were clarified to be present with high angle grain boundaries.     

Influence of long-term thermal aging on the microstructural evolution of nuclear reactor pressure vessel materials: an atom probe study

Atom probe field ion microscopy (APFIM) investigations of the microstructure of unaged (as-fabricated) and long-term thermally-aged (˜100 000 h at 280°C) surveillance materials from commercial reactor pressure vessel steels were performed. This combination of materials and conditions permitted the investigation of potential thermal aging effects. This microstructural study focused on the quantification of the compositions of the matrix and carbides. The APFIM results indicate that there was no significant microstructural evolution after a long-term thermal exposure in weld, plate and forging materials. The matrix depletion of copper that was observed in weld materials was consistent with the copper concentration in the matrix after the stress relief heat treatment. The composition of cementite carbides aged for 100 000 h were compared to the Thermocalc™ prediction. The APFIM comparisons of materials under these conditions are consistent with the measured change in mechanical properties such as the Charpy transition temperature.