Patent classifications
G21C3/18
THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRODEPOSITION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING USING SUCH SYSTEMS
An electrodeposition system, for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional structure, includes at least one electrochemical cell. The at least one electrochemical cell includes a receptacle containing an electrolytic bath. At least one nozzle opens from the receptacle toward and proximate a substrate, which is configured as a working electrode of the at least one electrochemical cell. The at least one electrochemical cell also includes a counter electrode disposed in the electrolytic bath. In a method for forming a three-dimensional structure, a metal salt, dissolved in the electrolytic salt, flows through the nozzle to deposit a metal of the metal salt on a surface of the substrate configured as the working electrode. The system may be configured for relative movement between the at least one nozzle and the substrate, enabling additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional structure by electrodeposition.
METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE WITHSTANDING CAPABILITY OF THE CLADDING MATERIAL IN THE FAST NEUTRON IRRADIATION ENVIRONMENT
The invention belongs to the technical field of nuclear reactor materials design, and discloses a method for improving the withstanding capability of the cladding material in the fast neutron irradiation environment, comprising the following steps: selecting the cladding material with the annular structure and placing it on the outer side of the metallic fuel slug, with leaving a 0.2-0.8 mm gap between the metallic fuel slug and the cladding material; processing the operation in a reactor subsequently, with an annealing process of the fast neutron reactor fuel during the operation of the reactor; improves the withstanding capability of the cladding material in the fast neutron irradiation environment. The invention processes annealing treatment of the cladding material by balancing the internal and external stresses, multiple cycles of steady-state and transient operations, enhancing the withstanding capability of the steel in the high neutron irradiation environment, improving the lifetime of the cladding material.
METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE WITHSTANDING CAPABILITY OF THE CLADDING MATERIAL IN THE FAST NEUTRON IRRADIATION ENVIRONMENT
The invention belongs to the technical field of nuclear reactor materials design, and discloses a method for improving the withstanding capability of the cladding material in the fast neutron irradiation environment, comprising the following steps: selecting the cladding material with the annular structure and placing it on the outer side of the metallic fuel slug, with leaving a 0.2-0.8 mm gap between the metallic fuel slug and the cladding material; processing the operation in a reactor subsequently, with an annealing process of the fast neutron reactor fuel during the operation of the reactor; improves the withstanding capability of the cladding material in the fast neutron irradiation environment. The invention processes annealing treatment of the cladding material by balancing the internal and external stresses, multiple cycles of steady-state and transient operations, enhancing the withstanding capability of the steel in the high neutron irradiation environment, improving the lifetime of the cladding material.
Fission product getter formed by additive manufacturing
A getter element includes a getter material reactive with a fission product contained within a stream of liquid and/or gas exiting a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor. At least one transmission pathway passes through the getter element that is sufficiently sized to maintain a flow of the input stream through the getter element at above a selected flow level. At least one transmission pathway includes a reaction surface area sufficient to uptake a pre-identified quantity of the fission product.
FUEL CLADDING COVERED BY A MESH
In various aspects, a nuclear fuel rod cladding is disclosed. The cladding can include a base tube and a mesh structure including gaps therein. The base tube can include an elongated tubular wall and can be configured to house nuclear fuel therein. The mesh structure can be positioned along at least a portion of the elongated tubular wall and can be configured to provide structural support to the base tube. In one aspect, the gaps of the mesh structure are designed to permit neutrons emitted by the nuclear fuel to pass therethrough to escape the fuel rod cladding.
Enhanced graphite neutron reflector with beryllium oxide inclusions
A nuclear reactor is disclosed including a reactor core and a reflector assembly surrounding the reactor core. The reflector assembly includes a stationary reflector component including a graphite support structure comprising a plurality of channels defined therein and a plurality of beryllium-oxide pins positioned in the channels.
Enhanced graphite neutron reflector with beryllium oxide inclusions
A nuclear reactor is disclosed including a reactor core and a reflector assembly surrounding the reactor core. The reflector assembly includes a stationary reflector component including a graphite support structure comprising a plurality of channels defined therein and a plurality of beryllium-oxide pins positioned in the channels.
Universal inverted reactor
Fission reactor has a shell encompassing a reactor space within which are a central longitudinal channel, a plurality of axially extending rings with adjacent rings defining an annular cylindrical space in which a first plurality of primary axial tubes are circumferential located. Circumferentially adjacent primary axial tubes are separated by one of the plurality of secondary channels and a plurality of webbings connects at least a portion of the plurality of primary axial tubes to adjacent structure. A fissionable nuclear fuel composition is located in at least some of the plurality of secondary channels and a primary coolant passes thorough at least some of the primary axial tubes. Additive and/or subtractive manufacturing techniques produce an integral and unitary structure for the fuel loaded reactor space. During manufacturing and as-built, the reactor design can be analyzed using a computational platform that integrates and analyzes data from in-situ monitoring during manufacturing.
Electronic enclosure with neutron shield for nuclear in-core applications
An enclosure for non-organic electronic components is provided which includes an inner cavity for housing non-organic electronic components and a neutron shielding barrier surrounding the inner cavity and the electronic components housed within the cavity. The barrier is formed from a neutron reflecting material in solid or powdered form and a neutron absorbing material in solid or powdered form. An optional structural support is provided in certain aspects of the enclosure design.
Electronic enclosure with neutron shield for nuclear in-core applications
An enclosure for non-organic electronic components is provided which includes an inner cavity for housing non-organic electronic components and a neutron shielding barrier surrounding the inner cavity and the electronic components housed within the cavity. The barrier is formed from a neutron reflecting material in solid or powdered form and a neutron absorbing material in solid or powdered form. An optional structural support is provided in certain aspects of the enclosure design.