An Overview of Research Activities in the Uoit Nuclear Fuels and Materials Group

Abstract

Progress in researching emerging nuclear technologies – including Generation IV and small reactors – by the Nuclear Fuels and Materials group at the University of Ontario Institute for Technology (UOIT) is described. As part of the decommissioning of a SLOWPOKE reactor, tie-rods must be removed, which is tedious, time consuming, and has pertinent safety issues. Alternate processes have been explored to reduce risks to safety and to reduce worker time. Experimental work in collaboration with the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories on the fission product release of simulated molten salt mixtures is being coupled with thermodynamic model development. A multi-physics code is being developed to simulate fission product behaviour in a molten-salt reactor in collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Isotope physics is being coupled with thermodynamics and thermal-hydraulics. The plating-out of noble metals on reactor surfaces is one area to be explored. The foregoing activities give examples of current and upcoming research activities in the Nuclear Fuels and Materials Group at UOIT.