Invention Reference Number
This technology introduces printed surface features within additively manufactured fuel pellets that enable precise placement of TRISO fuel particles. By improving particle alignment and stability during fabrication, the invention reduces voids and enhances structural integrity. The result is more reliable, high-performance nuclear fuel pellets that support advanced reactor applications and automated additive manufacturing workflows.
Description
The invention relates to specialized printed geometric features that guide and secure TRISO fuel particles during additive manufacturing of nuclear fuel pellets. Traditional approaches to embedding spherical fuel particles often suffer from misalignment, particle shifting, or unbonded voids, which compromise fuel performance. This technology addresses the challenge by incorporating shallow, precision-designed features that hold particles in position throughout the deposition process. The features are compatible with automated particle placement tools, enabling structured, high-density packing arrangements such as hexagonal close packing. Once deposited, the particles remain stable as subsequent layers of the pellet are fabricated around them, ensuring strong thermal and mechanical contact between the matrix and the particles. This innovation supports scalable, automated processes for advanced nuclear fuels and can be adapted for other particle-embedding applications in high-performance materials.
Benefits
- Improves consistency and reliability in particle placement
- Enhances thermal and mechanical integrity of the pellet
- Reduces void formation and misalignment issues
- Compatible with multiple additive manufacturing methods
Applications and Industries
- Nuclear fuel pellet fabrication for advanced reactors
- Small modular and space reactor fuel development
- High-performance composite and ceramic manufacturing
- Structured embedding of microspheres in engineered materials
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
