Abstract
Thermochemical behaviors of nuclear fuel have implications at all stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, which are discussed throughout this book. Having the ability to predict the chemical behavior of the fuel provides a mechanism to inform decision-making processes at the engineering design stage, operations, and also safety analyses. Thermochemical predictions can potentially be used to explore chemical extraction processes involving various minerals at the mining and milling stage, fluorination processes during conversion, controlling oxidizing/reducing environments during fuel fabrication, understanding the evolution of fuel chemistry with respect to irradiation in-reactor, uranium and plutonium extraction processes during reprocessing, and finally the behavior of spent nuclear fuel in a repository, which may include possible groundwater contamination. Furthermore, predicting the behavior of irradiated nuclear fuel in the event of a severe accident provides an important capability in prevention, informing decision-makers in response initiatives, and decommissioning.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
