Naked Nuclear

After-Pop! Stripping Down Nuclear Fuels from Ep1

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Welcome to the Ep.1 After-pop!


Nuclear Fuels Breakdown: Uranium Oxide, Uranium Silicide, Uranium Mononitride, and HALEU

In this quick follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the world of nuclear fuels. Dr. Jennifer Watkins breaks down the key materials used in advanced nuclear reactors, including:

  • Uranium Oxide (UO₂): The most common nuclear fuel, typically used in light water reactors.
  • Uranium Silicide (U₃Si₂): A high-density fuel offering improved performance in reactors.
  • Uranium Mononitride (UN): A promising fuel for fast reactors with superior thermal conductivity.
  • HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium): A next-generation fuel with higher enrichment, key to enabling advanced reactor technologies.


    • Learn more about Dr. Watkins fuel research at INL here: https://inl.gov/feature-story/u-s-researchers-fabricate-commercial-grade-uranium-dioxide-haleu-fuel/


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    Naked NuclearBy Danielle Allen