3. Materials used for their nuclear properties
3.1 Fuels
Uranium, in oxide form, is most commonly used as fuel, usually enriched in its fissile isotope 235 U. Other uranium- or plutonium-based compounds (carbides or nitrides) could be considered, but comparison of the various physical and employment properties generally favor the choice of oxide. UO 2 was chosen because of its very high melting temperature (2,845°C), which guarantees large margins in accident situations, and for its inert nature towards water. On the other hand, its thermal conductivity is low, below 2 W · m –1 · K –1 at 1,000°C.
As the ...
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Materials used for their nuclear properties
Irradiation behavior of structural steels
Bibliography
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Standards and norms
The construction and operation of nuclear facilities are subject to a vast array of standards and regulations, the details of which are well beyond the scope of this article. However, we would point out the existence of reference codes governing these installations in France, published by the AFCEN (Association française pour les règles de conception, de construction et de surveillance en exploitation des matériels...
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Association française pour les règles de conception, de construction et de surveillance en exploitation des matériels des chaudières électronucléaires (AFCEN - French association for design, construction and operational monitoring of nuclear boiler equipment) http://www.afcen.com/
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