Fuels and Materials Challenges for Advanced Nuclear Systems: Challenges and Research Approaches

Abstract

Successful operation of current light water reactors and implementation of advanced nuclear energy systems is strongly dependent on the performance of fuels and materials. A typical light water reactor (LWR) contains numerous types of materials (figure A) that must all perform successfully. A majority of the LWRs in the U.S. are extending their operating licenses from a 40 year period to a 60 year period, with initial discussions about 80 year lifetimes now underway. Many proposed advanced systems (also known as Generation IV systems) anticipate operation at temperatures and radiation exposures that are beyond current nuclear industry experience, as well as most previous experience with developmental systems [1-7].