Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for imaging the top surface of a fuel pellet to observe the formation of radial cracks employing resistive heating to volumetrically heat the fuel pellet, but instead of passing the current axially through the pellet, electrodes were placed on the sides of a single pellet to pass the current transversely across the pellet allowing for an unobstructed view of the top surface of the pellet.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyethylene thin films is disclosed. The process comprises extruding a blend that comprises a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and a high molecular weight, high density polyethylene (HMW-HDPE) or high molecular weight, medium density polyethylene (HMW-MDPE). The blend has an LLDPE/HMW-HDPE or HMW-MDPE weight ratio at least 50/50. The blend is extruded through an annular die to form a molten material tube. The molten material tube is then pulled around a fixed internal orientation device (FIOD) to form the film. The FIOD makes it possible to prepare polyethylene thin films from LLDPE-rich LLDPE/HMW-HDPE or HMW-MDPE blends on a high stalk film line. The films have increased machine-direction (MD) tears.