Characterization and irradiation program: extended-burnup gadolina lead test assembly (Mark GdB)

Abstract

This advanced fuel assembly uses a UO/sub 2/-Gd/sub 2/O/sub 3/ fuel burnable-absorber mixture along with other state-of-the-art fuel performance and uranium utilization-enhancing design features that include annular pellets, annealed guide tubes, Zircaloy intermediate grids, and a removable upper end fitting. Goal of the program is to extend the burnup of pressurized water reactor fuel assemblies to 50,000 MWd/mtU batch average burnup. To achieve this goal, five lead test assemblies have been designed, manufactured, characterized, and inserted for irradiation in Oconee Unit 1 cycle 8. One lead test assembly will receive 13,989 MWd/mtU burnup by its discharge at the end of cycle 8. Three of the four remaining lead test assemblies will receive approximately 45,000 MWd/mtU burnup by their discharge at the end of cycle 10. The fourth lead test assembly will receive approximately 58,000 MWd/mtU before being discharged at the end of cycle 11. The lead test assemblies and their constituent components have been extensively characterized to acquire a beginning-of-life data base to compare with future post-irradiation examination results and thereby determine the irradiation performance of the assemblies and their components. This report contains a description of the lead test assemblies and the pre-irradiation characterization data. Also, the plans for irradiating and examining these assemblies are discussed.