High Pressure Consolidation Process for Nuclear Fuel Elements.

Nuclear fuels, of importance in advance space propulsion, comprise a solution of mixed uranium carbides and uranium based ceramics. In order to achieve optimum performance, the processing, characterization, and evaluation of mixed uranium/refractory carbide is the key challenge. This technology describes a new pressure consolidation technology that manufactures mixed carbide nuclear fuel elements using high pressure technologies. The process is designed based on an existing process, rapid omnidirectional compaction (ROC), coupled with a rapid heating technique.

Benefits
This technology will lead to process technologies that enable manufacturing of nuclear fuel elements for advanced space propulsion. It can also be applied to commercial nuclear power industry with respect to increasing efficiency and reliability.

Stage of Development
A formal patentability opinion is being considered at this time. This technology is available for developmental research support/licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Additional Info
*http://www.cc.utah.edu/~zzf1/Group/Research.html

Inventor(s): Zhigang (Zak) Fang

Type of Offer: Licensing



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