Invention Reference Number
This technology provides a method for embedding nuclear fuel particles into pellets during additive manufacturing to achieve structured, repeatable arrangements. By eliminating the randomness of conventional processes, the approach enhances pellet quality and reactor performance. The process offers greater design flexibility for advanced nuclear systems while reducing variability in fuel fabrication.
Description
The invention introduces a layer-wise process to embed TRISO fuel particles directly into fuel pellets during additive manufacturing. Rather than relying on random mixing, particles are incorporated at specific, digitally defined sites throughout the pellet matrix. This structured approach helps address challenges such as irregular spacing, thermal inefficiency, and mechanical stress seen in traditional methods. The process is compatible with multiple additive manufacturing platforms and can support different spatial arrangements, from uniform patterns to gradients. By combining digital control with in-situ placement, the method enables consistent fabrication of advanced fuel geometries. Post-processing steps may further densify the pellet, locking particles in place.
Benefits
- Improved uniformity and reliability of nuclear fuel pellets
- Reduced risk of particle damage during fabrication
- Enables advanced, digitally defined fuel designs
- Scalable and adaptable to multiple additive manufacturing platforms
Applications and Industries
- Advanced nuclear reactors, including modular, space, and high-temperature systems
- Research into structured fuel geometries for neutron flux control
- Additive manufacturing processes requiring embedded spherical particles
- High-performance ceramic composite fabrication
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
