Critical Velocity Experimental Assessment in Flat Plate Fuel Element for Nuclear Research Reactor

Aluminum-coated plates, containing a uranium silicide (U3Si2) meat dispersed in an aluminum matrix, are commonly used the fuel elements of Material Testing Reactors (MTRs). These typically comprised narrow channels formed by parallel flat which allow coolant flow to remove heat fission reactions. It is important mention that thickness plates much smaller than their width and height. The high rates needed ensure efficient fuel-element cooling may cause fuel-plate mechanical failures due instability induced channels. In case critical velocity, excessive permanent deflections these can blockage lead overheating. An experimental facility simulates plate-like element with three was developed for this work. test-section dimensions were based on Fuel Element design Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor (RMB), project being coordinated National Commission Nuclear Energy (CNEN). Experiments performed reach Miller's velocity condition. This condition reached at 14.5 m/s leading consequent plastic deformation