1986

Hansson, Lena

The use of gadolinia (Gd2O3) as integral burnable absorber (UO2-Gd2O3) in PWRs (pressurized water reactors) is related to new, more economical fuel management schemes that have been designed and studied by many utilities during the past few years. Extended burn-up (higher initial enrichment) and low leakage fuel management (fresh fuel located towards the interior of the core) require burnable absorber rods to control the reactivity and power density of fresh fuel. The data on thermal and physical properties of UO2-Gd2O3 fuel have been updated. A short survey of the perfotmance of gadolinia in various extended burnup low leakage fuel cycles has also been given.