Understanding the interface interaction between U₃Si₂ fuel and SiC cladding.

ABSTRACT: Triuranium disilicide (U₃Si₂) fuel with silicon carbide (SiC) composite cladding is being considered as an advanced concept/accident tolerant fuel for light water reactors thus, understanding their chemical compatibility under operational and accident conditions is paramount. Here we provide a comprehensive view of the interaction between U₃Si₂ and SiC by utilizing density functional theory calculations supported by diffusion couple experiments. From the calculated reaction energies, we demonstrate that triuranium pentasilicide (U₃Si₅), uranium carbide (UC), U₂₀Si₁₆C₃, and uranium silicide (USi) phases can form at the interface. A detailed study of U₃Si₂ and SiC defect f

SUBMITTER: Kocevski V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7250824 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature