METHODS OF CHARACTERIZING FUEL STRUCTURE

This is a review of methods used to characterize fuel structures. The paper concentrates on methods of determining the amount of solid solution in the fuel, the distribution and particle size of plutonium oxide on the porosity in the fuel pellets. Closed and open porosities are discussed separately. In the case of open porosity methods of determining the parameters of the pore network, as there are connectivity and tortuosity are explained. The experimental methods applied to obtain these results are x-ray diffraction, image analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry and gas effusion. © 1979.