Open AccessA DISCUSSION OF THE METALLURGICAL ASPECTS OF THORIUM AS A FUEL MATERIAL
Author(s) -
B.R. Hayward
Publication year - 1953
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/4077713
Subject(s) - thorium , materials science , cladding (metalworking) , graphite , metallurgy , corrosion , nuclear engineering , waste management , uranium , engineering
Data on thorium are compiled and the use of thorium as a fuel material is discussed. It was assumed that the general reactor configuration will follow the conventional SGR-SRE reactor design of a graphite-moderated sodium-cooled metallic fuel system. Factors outlined which affect the use of thorium as a fuel material are availability of ore, capacity of processing plants, purity specifications, design and use of materials in fuel elements which may affect chemical separation economics, and technical feasibility. General metallurgical properties of thorium are described including melting point, density, chemical purity, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, phase transformations, corrosion in liquid metals, tensile and creep strength, dimensional stability, and alloying properties. Methods of chemical processing, fabrication, and cladding are outlined. The advantages and disadvantages in the use of thorium as a fuel are summarized. (M.C.G.