Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Identify the main isotopes and their relative proportions in fresh reactor fuel.
- Calculate the specific activity of fresh fuel using suitable approximations.
- List and quantify the major radiations from unirradiated fuel.
- Estimate external dose rates from unirradiated fuel.
- Differentiate between the different types of nuclear fuel.
- Describe the radiological, criticality and materials safeguards hazards associated with unirradiated fuel.
- Compare and contrast the hazards posed by fresh and recycled fuel.
- State the most important isotopes contributing to the hazards for each fuel type.
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using mixed oxide fuel.