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151-2017-00L 4 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT

Nuclear Fuels and Materials

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Manuel Alexandre Pouchon, Dr. Philippe Jean-Pierre Spätig
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:22

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**
  • Mon 14:15-17:00 (GLC E 24)
3 h weekly

Offered In

  • Mechanical Engineering Master
    • Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
  • Energy Science and Technology Master
    • Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
  • 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: ?)