Use of isotopically enriched actinide fuel in nuclear reactors

摘要

The present invention provides a nuclear fuel rod, assembly comprising an actinide nitride such as uranium nitride, suitable for use in nuclear reactors, including those based substantially on thermal fission, such as light and heavy water or gas-cooled nuclear reactors. The fuel contains nitrogen which has been isotopically enriched to at least about 50% ¹⁵N, most preferably above 95%. The fuel can be in the form of particles, pellets, in annular form or other forms having high surface to volume ratios.