A Phase-field simulation of uranium dendrite growth on the cathode in the electrorefining process

Shibuta, Yasushi*; Unoura, Seiji*; Sato, Takumi  ; Shibata, Hiroki ; Kurata, Masaki* ; Suzuki, Toshio*

The uranium dendrite growth on cathode during pyroprocessing of uranium is investigated using a novel phase-field model, in which electrodeposition of uranium and zirconium from molten-salt is taken into account. The threshold concentration of zirconium in molten salt demarcating the dendritic and planar growth is then estimated as a function of the current density. Moreover, growth process of both the dendritic and planar electrodeposits has been demonstrated by way of varying the mobility of the phase field, which consists of the effect of attachment kinetics and diffusion.