Measured recrystallization kinetics in empire plates

Machine learning (ML) based image analysis techniques were used to analyze the optical micrographs (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of irradiated EMPIrE experiment UMo dispersion fuel plates. The volume fractions of recrystallized fuel in EMPIrE plates were measured from both OM and SEM images. The recrystallization volume fractions in non-heat-treated fuel powder measured from the type 7 plates were found to be consistent with the results from the SELENIUM experiment dispersion UMo fuel plates, in which non-heat-treated powders were also used. The heat-treated EMPIrE plates, including type 1, 5 and 8 plates, show slower recrystallization kinetics compared to those with non-heat-treated ones. Based on the measurement, the recrystallization kinetics in the EMPIrE plates were obtained by fitting to the Avrami equation and compared with those fitted from the SELENIUM data. Additionally, image analysis was used to measure fission gas bubble morphology in the same EMPIrE plates to explore the impact of recrystallization on fission gas swelling.
customer-defined neutronic conditions can be achieved. This in-core structure contains instrumentation for on-line monitoring of neutronic and thermal-hydraulic conditions during irradiation. Two irradiations are planned for the MUSTANG-R apparatus: full-size Design Demonstration Elements (DDEs) for both Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor (MITR) and the National Bureau of Standards Reactor (NBSR), denoted by MITR DDE and NBSR DDE.
Furthermore, the design foresees to irradiate other elements such as a Generic Test Assembly (GTA).