Fuel Failure in Normal Operation of Water Reactors: Experience, Causes and Mitigation

This publication results from an IAEA technical meeting, held with the objective to provide Member States with a forum to share data, experience and knowledge in the area of fuel failure during normal operation of water cooled reactors. In spite of the low fuel failure rate in currently operating water cooled nuclear power reactors, there is a continued high level of interest in fuel failures, owing to the problems and inconvenience caused by fuel failures and to the generally accepted goal of achieving a zero failure rate. This requires a detailed knowledge of existing failure mechanisms, their root causes and remedies. A total of 21 papers addressing those issues were presented and discussed at the meeting. The main conclusions and recommendations are summarized in this publication.