DIN Standards Committee Materials Testing
Re-sintering test for UO2, (U,Gd)O2 and (U,Pu)O2 pellets
Abstract
ISO 15646:2014 describes a procedure for measuring the densification of UO2, (U,Gd)O2, and (U,Pu)O2 pellets, achieved by heat treatment under defined conditions. The densification of fuel in power operation is an important design feature. Essentially, it is dependent on structural parameters such as pore size, spatial pore distribution, grain size, and in the case of (U,Gd)O2 and (U,Pu)O2, oxide phase structure. A thermal re-sintering test can be used to characterize the dimensional behaviour of the pellets under high temperature. The results of this test are used by the fuel designer to predict dimensional behaviour in the reactor, because thermal densification in the reactor is also dependent on these structural parameters, albeit in a differing manner in terms of quantity.
Begin
2025-09-24
WI
00430149
Planned document number
prEN ISO 15646 rev
Responsible national committee
Responsible european committee
CEN/TC 430 - Nuclear energy, nuclear technologies, and radiological protection
previous edition(s)
Re-sintering test for UO₂, (U,Gd)O₂ and (U,Pu)O₂ pellets (ISO 15646:2014)
2016-04
