Review of Neutron Physics Analyses for Accident-Tolerant Fuel System

After the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, scientists and engineers have been developing accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) concepts to make nuclear reactors safer. To make light-water reactor fuel-cladding systems more resistant to accidents, researchers are proposing solutions to the problem of Zr-based cladding oxidation. Researchers propose improving the accident tolerance of current fuel cladding systems by enhancing Zr-based alloys, coating Zircaloy, or using new cladding/fuel materials. Neutron physics is essential for evaluating the feasibility of these solutions. It will be used to assess not only their safety but also their economic viability. This review summarises the nuclear industry's efforts to investigate the reactor physics impact of accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) concepts on current and future reactor designs. Important reactor physics parameters that affect safety and economics include reactivity coefficients, cycle length, neutron spectrum, excess reactivity, and control rod worth. This work can be a reference for the nuclear community, especially reactor physicists when studying the implementation of the ATF concept.