Behavior of the Fuel Elements of Floating Power-Generating Units Under Irradiation

Abstract

The fuel composition uranium dioxide + aluminum alloy was developed for use in the fuel elements of the core of a floating power-generating unit and small nuclear power plants. Designs, a fabrication technology, and methods of monitoring cermet fuel elements of different unit sizes with an aluminum matrix and cladding made of zirconium alloys have been developed at VNIINM. Pre-reactor and reactor tests and post-reactor investigations of fuel elements have shown that these fuel elements hold promise for use in the core of a floating power-generating unit. The behavioral particularities of the fuel elements with fuel composition uranium dioxide + aluminum alloy under irradiation have been determined.