The effect of RE-rich phase on the thermal conductivity of U–Zr–RE alloys

Thermal conductivity of RE-bearing U–Zr fuels was investigated. Under an assumption of a RE-rich phase forming a macroscopic mixture with the matrix, the thermal conductivity was estimated for U–Zr–RE alloy. It was evaluated that the thermal conductivity of the U–Zr fuels would be lowered by less than 5% due to the addition of RE. The measurement of the thermal properties of U–Zr–Ce supported the present estimation.