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2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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ANS panel discussion looks at nuclear’s place in maritime, energy, medicine, space
The applications of nuclear energy extend beyond providing power to the electrical grid. Advanced nuclear technologies may soon have new applications in oil and gas facilities, in hospitals and clinics, on the open seas, and on the moon.
A June 1 executive session, “How Nuclear Technologies will Shape the Future Energy Economy,” at the American Nuclear Society’s Annual Conference allowed experts have an open discussion on the future of nuclear advancements in multiple sectors.
L. C. Walters, J. H. Kittel
Nuclear Technology | Volume 48 | Number 3 | May 1980 | Pages 273-280
Technical Paper | Fuel | doi.org/10.13182/NT80-A32473
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The reduction in projected sodium outlet temperatures for commercial liquid-metal fast breeder reactors has renewed the interest in metal fuels. The U-Pu-Zr or Th-Pu-U-Zr metal fuel pins, sodium bonded to stainless-steel claddings, will yield high burnup along with adequate fuel-cladding compatibility. High burnup capability is assured by designing the fuel element so that interconnected porosity and flssion-gas release occur prior to fuel-cladding contact. Interconnected porosity and fission-gas release take place at about 30% fuel-volume swelling, independent of the metal fuel composition. The U-Fs/Type 316 stainless-steel-clad driver-fuel element used in the Argonne National Laboratory Experimental Breeder Reactor II is designed to take advantage of the phenomenon of interconnected porosity, and burnups in excess of 10 at.% are typically achieved prior to cladding breach. The adequate fuel-cladding compatibility, high burnup potential, superior breeding performance, and demonstrated remote refabrication have made metal fuels an attractive alternative for fast reactor design.