Thermophysical properties of VVER uranium-gadolinium fuel pellets with 3.35, 5, and 8 wt % gadolinium oxide

Abstract

This study aims to determine the thermophysical properties of industrial uranium-gadolinium oxide fuel pellets containing 3.35, 5, and 8 wt % Gd₂O₃ in order to evaluate the performance and safety of VVER-type reactor fuels. The obtained experimental data included thermal expansion, specific heat capacity at constant pressure, and thermal diffusivity. In addition, the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity was calculated up to 1900 K for fuels with varying Gd₂O₃ content. Figures: 5; Tables: 6; References: 12.