Slightly enriched uranium fuel cycle: Performance aspects.

Abstract

Adoption of a slightly enriched uranium (SEU) fuel cycle by CANDU reactors will involve an increase in average fuel discharge burnup to a maximum of 700 MW,h/kg U from the current 200 MW.h/kg u. This paper discusses the significant effects upon fuel performance of increases in burnup, the existing base of pertinent data, and the additional work that is required to verify the technology at less than 400 MW.h/kg U and to raise average discharge burnups beyond that level. Major areas identified for further work are fission gas release, power-ramp behaviour, and model development.