Modelling, manufacturing and thermomechanical characterization of spinel–uranium dioxide composite fuels

Abstract The present paper describes laboratory studies performed on composite materials made of a spinel inert matrix in which uranium dioxide particles are dispersed. This study aims to improve the lifetime of the standard nuclear fuel. The work involves the modelling of the thermomechanical in-pile behavior of these materials, manufacturing tests and out-of-pile characterizations. The influence of some physical characteristics such as the particle size and the nature of the matrix–particle interface inside the composite is analysed. The results show a very good out-of-pile mechanical behavior of the composite material, especially a high ability to deform and excellent thermal gradient resistance.