Uranium zirconium hydride explained

Uranium zirconium hydride (UZrH,), a dispersion of metallic uranium in a matrix, is used as the fuel in TRIGA reactors.[1] UZrH fuel is used in most research reactors at universities and has a large, prompt negative fuel temperature coefficient of reactivity, meaning that as the temperature of the core increases, the reactivity rapidly decreases.[2]

Franco-Belge de Fabrication du Combustible, in Romans-sur-Isère, France, is the only manufacturer of this fuel.[3]

External links

http://nrc.wsu.edu

TRIGA

Notes and References

  1. Olander . D. . Greenspan . Ehud . Garkisch . Hans D. . Petrovic . Bojan . Uranium–zirconium hydride fuel properties . Nuclear Engineering and Design . August 2009 . 239 . 8 . 1406–1424 . 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2009.04.001.
  2. Web site: TRIGA Fuels.
  3. Web site: Plant upgrades ensure continued TRIGA fuel supply : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News.