# Understanding Fission Gas Bubble Distribution, Lanthanide Transportation, and Thermal Conductivity Degradation in Neutron-irradiated α-U Using Machine Learning

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2104.05786 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2104.05786/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 0 of its 3 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 12 Apr 2021.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Advanced Characterization-Informed Framework and Quantitative Insight to Irradiated Annular U-10Zr Metallic Fuels](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2210.09104/) (2022)
- [An Efficient Instance Segmentation Approach for Extracting Fission Gas Bubbles on U-10Zr Annular Fuel](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2302.12833/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

UZr based metallic nuclear fuel is the leading candidate for next-generation sodium-cooled fast reactors in the United States. US research reactors have been using and testing this fuel type since the 1960s and accumulated considerable experience and knowledge about the fuel performance. However, most of knowledge remains empirical. The lack of mechanistic understanding of fuel performance is preventing the qualification of UZr fuel for commercial use. This paper proposes a data-driven approach, coupled with advanced post irradiation examination, powered by machine learning algorithms, to facilitate the development of such understandings by providing unpreceded quantified new insights into fission gas bubbles. Specifically, based on the advanced postirradiation examination data collected on a neutron-irradiated U-10Zr annular fuel, we developed a method to automatically detect, classify ~19,000 fission gas bubbles into different categories, and quantitatively link the data to lanthanide transpiration along the radial temperature gradient. The approach is versatile and can be modified to study different coupled irradiation effects, such as secondary phase redistribution and degradation of thermal conductivity, in irradiated nuclear fuel.