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Nuclear Fuels and Materials
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:06:54
Abstract
Materials for nuclear power plants and fuel are discussed. The course is a basic introduction into this topic and it is mainly concerned with light water reactors. Structural materials for pressure boundaries (reactor pressure vessel, pipings) and reactor internals are introduced. Fuel and fuel claddings are also discussed. Main emphasize is on damage and degradation mechanisms during service.
Objective
The students know the most important structural materials in nuclear reactors know fuel and its behaviour in a reactor know important ageing and degradation mechanisms in nuclear power plants
Content
• Brief review of materials science basics • LWRs and their structural materials, damage mechanisms • Cladding materials, corrosion, failure modes • Pressure-boundary components, ageing, degradation • Structural integrity, surveillance, lifetime management • Structural materials for future advanced NPPs • General description of nuclear fuels, introduction to radiation damage • Fuel thermal performance • Fuel thermo-mechanical behaviour • Production, evolution of fission products • Fission gas release mechanisms • Fuel related safety limits • Advanced fuels for future NPPs
Resources
Literature
Distributed documents, recommended book chapters
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Nuclear Fuels and Materials
**together with EPFL**
|
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Energy, Flows and Processes (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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Nuclear Engineering Master (MSc Nuclear Engineering is a joint program of EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich. The first semester takes place in Lausanne. Students therefore have to enroll at EPFL. For more information about the curriculum and courses see: )
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