Physical And Mechanical Metallurgy Of Zirconium Alloys For Nuclear Applications

The Metallurgy of Nuclear Fuel: Properties and Principles of the Technology of Uranium, Thorium and Plutonium is a systematic analysis of the metallurgy of nuclear fuel, with emphasis on the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties as well as the technology of uranium, thorium, and plutonium, together with their alloys and compounds. The minerals and raw material sources of nuclear fuel are discussed, along with the principles of the technology of the raw material processing and the production of the principal compounds, and of the pure metals and alloys. Comprised of three parts, this volume begins with an introduction to the history of the discovery of uranium and its position in the periodic system; its use as a nuclear fuel; radioactivity and isotopic composition; alloys and compounds; and physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. The effect of mechanical and thermal treatment, thermal cycling and irradiation on the physicochemical properties of uranium is also examined. The next two sections are devoted to thorium and plutonium and includes chapters dealing with their uses, alloys and compounds, and methods of recovery and purification. This book is written for university students, but should also prove useful to young production engineers and scientific workers who are concerned with problems in the metallurgy of nuclear fuel.

"The latest in this popular series provides 44 peer-reviewed papers on the latest international research covering all aspects of zirconium alloy properties and performance relevant to the nuclear industry. Topics address: All aspects of the fuel cycle ; Basic metallurgy ; Spent fuel ; Corrosion ; Mechanical properties ; Deformations mechanisms ; Failure mechanisms ; LOCA and Transients. These papers provide examples of studies where experimental techniques are combined with analytical tools and calculations; reflect a stronger trend towards efforts that enable fundamental in-reactor measurements, which are essential for further development of experimental techniques as well as for the possibility to enhance the development of improved alloys; and examine an increasing number of alternative alloys being developed and verified."--Publisher's website.