Sintering of oxide nuclear fuel: Plastic flow mechanism

A theoretical approach to solving the sintering problem of nuclear oxide fuels is described. We are proposing a new physical sintering model: the main mechanism for oxide nuclear shrinkage is the plastic flow of the matter under internal stress and capillary forces.

► The model of oxide nuclear fuel sintering is constructed.
► The viscous flow of matter under internal stress and capillary forces is considered.
► The plastic flow mechanism allows describing an intermediate stage of sintering.
► We have calculated the sintering curves for oxide nuclear fuel.