Manufacturing of homogeneous simulated FPs (NdO/SmO/GdO/ZrO)-doped MOX for studies on MOX fuel properties

Horii, Yuta ; Hirooka, Shun ; Vauchy, R.  ; Hayashizaki, Kohei ; Uno, Hiroki*; Tamura, Tetsuya*; Sunaoshi, Takeo*; Ohwada, Hideaki*; Yamada, Tadahisa*; Murakami, Tatsutoshi 

Fission products (FPs), which are generated and stored in the fuel matrix by irradiating MOX fuels, affect the fuel properties. In previous studies, many properties of unirradiated MOX were reported. On the other hand, the number of studies on irradiated MOX properties are limited. Studying properties of irradiated materials has difficulties in handling, therefore, using simulated FP-doped (U,Pu)O is an alternative method in studying irradiated fuel properties. In order to evaluate the effect of simulated FPs, the homogeneity is one of the important factors. In this study, two dry-processing methods, namely melting and grinding-mixing methods, respectively, are employed and evaluated the aptitude as methods to prepare the homogeneous simulated FP-doped (U,Pu)O.