R&D activities for Accident Tolerant Fuel Materials (ATFs) in Japan

Yamashita, Shinichiro; Nemoto, Yoshiyuki; Ioka, Ikuo; Kawanishi, Tomohiro; Kurata, Masaki; Kaji, Yoshiyuki; Fukahori, Tokio

no journal, , 

After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and the events that followed at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (1F), global interest has expanded in exploring fuels with enhanced performance during such rare events, with accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) development programs starting in many countries. In Japan, several ATF programs have been launched for feasibility study, development of manufacturing technology, and establishment of technical basis since the 1F accident. ATF candidate materials considered in Japan are silicon carbide (SiC) composite and FeCrAl steel strengthened by dispersion of fine oxide particles (FeCrAl-ODS). SiC composite is very attractive material because of its lower hydrogen generation rate and lower reaction heat in comparison with conventional Zirconium (Zr) alloys. Therefore, practical uses for a fuel cladding of pressurized water reactor (PWR) and for the fuel cladding, channel box of boiling water reactor (BWR) are expected. On the other hand, FeCrAl-ODS steel is a promising material and is considered to apply to the fuel cladding of BWR.