Composite materials and systems as alternative inert matrix fuel to dispose civil or weapon grade plutonium in light water reactors

• Published in: Progress in nuclear energy (New series) Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 321 - 326
• Main Authors: Vatulin, A.V., Stetsky, Y.A., Trifonov, Y.I., Khotyashov, G.I.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English; Russian
• Published: Tarrytown, NY Elsevier Ltd 2001; Oxford Elsevier
• Subjects: burning; cermet fuel; light water reactors; plutonium; burning; light water reactors; cermet fuel; plutonium
• ISSN: 0149-1970
• DOI: 10.1016/S0149-1970(00)00126-8

To complete the IMF cercer studies on the problem of Pu utilization in LWRs, a cermet fuel approach is presented. The advantages of cermet fuel are associated with high heat conductivity, ability to retain the fission products and a well-developed fabrication process. Attractive possibilities for the creation of new cermet fuels and cermet fuel elements are also presented. R&D activity aimed at the development of cermet fuel element with PuO 2-Zr composite was undertaken. As a result of this activity comparative analysis of thermodynamic calculations for UO 2-Zr and PuO 2-Zr composites was carried out, as well as an assessment of Pu loading and preliminary thermal calculations. As a consequence, it was concluded that the PuO 2-Zr cermet system could be considered as a possible variant of new cermet fuel and cermet fuel element for Pu burning in LWRs.