Pellet-Cladding Interaction (PCI and PCMI): progress in nuclear industry
(ZIRAT27/IZNA22)
Pellet-Cladding Interaction (PCI) and Pellet-Cladding Mechanical Interaction (PCMI) remains an important phenomenon in the modern nuclear reactor fuel engineering. This topic was addressed in detail in ZIRAT-11 Special topical report on PCI issued in 2006. Since then, a substantial development has taken place, such as introduction of new cladding materials and additive fuel pellets. In addition to this, flexible power operation is being considered by many utilities worldwide. This introduces new challenges to the safe and reliable operation of the nuclear fuel. The report discusses up-to-date developments in the above mentioned areas and summarizes the main outcomes of the R&D work performed since 2006.