Thermodynamic study of the U–Si system

The uranium–silicon phase diagram is a key system to predict the possible interaction between the fuel kernel (U, Pu)C and the inert matrix SiC considered for the gas-cooled fast reactor systems. The experimental data from the literature on the uranium–silicon system are critically reviewed. Differential Thermal Analysis experiments are carried out to measure the temperatures of the phase transitions in the composition range 6–46% at Si. The experimental results are compared to the available data of the literature. The microstructure of the samples has been analysed using scanning electron microscopy. In view of the analyses, some solidification paths are proposed. Finally, the present experimental results and the available data of the literature have been used to perform a thermodynamic modelling of the uranium–silicon system using the CALPHAD method.