Oxidation of the spent nuclear fuel matrix under interim storage conditions

The present thesis, entitled "Oxidation of the spent nuclear fuel matrix under interim storage conditions", deals with important aspects regarding the storage of nuclear fuel. Oxidation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) with undetected cladding defects during dry storage might challenge its inte...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Milena Pérez, Abel
Tipo de recurso: tesis doctoral
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)
Repositorio:Docta Complutense
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:docta.ucm.es:20.500.14352/103248
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/103248
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:621.039.54(043.2)
Combustibles nucleares
Química
23 Química
Descripción
Sumario:The present thesis, entitled "Oxidation of the spent nuclear fuel matrix under interim storage conditions", deals with important aspects regarding the storage of nuclear fuel. Oxidation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) with undetected cladding defects during dry storage might challenge its integrity if high oxygen-content uranium oxides (U3O8), characterised by a specific volume about 36% higher than UO2's, are formed. The formation of U3O8 could lead to failure propagation, and pulverisation of the fuel pellet. This could hinder the future retrieval of the fuel or even cause the release of radioactive material. As a consequence, an accurate characterisation of the processes involved under anticipated conditions is of utmost significance for nuclear safety, especially taking into account the foreseen lifetime extension of storage facilities of SNF...