Exploring the impact of temperature and oxygen partial pressure on the spent nuclear fuel oxidation during its dry management.

ABSTRACT: The management of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) comprises different stages in which security is demonstrated. Nevertheless, fundamental research can lead to other design options that must be considered. Currently, one of the focuses is the dry interim storage option, as the shortest-term solution until final repositories are available. During this stage, one concern is the oxidation of the fuel. If UO₂ (SNF matrix) is exposed to air at high-enough temperature, formation of U₃O₈ takes place. The larger volume of this phase could entail stresses on the SNF clad, which is the first barrier to prevent radioactive material release. It is known that this oxidation is a temperature-dependent reaction and ensuring an inert atmosphere discards any effect during SNF dry m

SUBMITTER: Milena-Perez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9898559 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature