Overview of high-temperature fuel behaviour with relevance to CANDU fuel

This paper provides an overview of high-temperature phenomena in nuclear fuel elements and bundles, with particular relevance to the CANDU fuel design. The paper describes heat generation, fuel thermal response, and thermophysical properties of the fuel and sheath that can affect the thermal and mechanical response of the fuel element. Sources of chemical heat that can arise during accident conditions in the fuel element are also detailed. Specific phenomena associated with fuel restructuring, fuel sheath deformation, fuel-to-sheath heat transfer, fuel sheath failure criteria, oxidation, hydriding and embrittlement of the Zircaloy sheath, gap transport processes in failed elements, fuel/sheath interaction and fuel dissolution by molten cladding are detailed as important phenomena that can impact reactor safety analysis. Fuel behaviour during a power pulse and fuel bundle behaviour that occurs during a severe reactor accident are further considered. The review also points out areas of further research that are needed for a more complete understanding.