Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LM Nuclear Fuel Cycles, Life Extension and Nuclear Waste
School	Metallurgy and Materials
Department	Metallurgy & Materials
Module Code	04 28745
Module Lead	Prof David Book
Level	Masters Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-22 hours Guided independent study-78 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	The module will introduce the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear plant life extension and management and disposal of nuclear waste. This will include describing both the thorium and uranium fuel cycles from extraction, use and disposal. A understanding of the key aspects of nuclear plant lifetime extension will be developed and current issues with life extension in AGR’s will be discussed. The management and disposal of low, medium and high-level radioactive waste in the UK, including technical issues such as corrosion in interim and long-term storage will be covered.These link to the following topics in the 2017 QAA Materials Subject Benchmark Statement: i atomic bonding, crystalline lattices, defects and disorder, amorphous materials ii phase equilibria and phase transformations, multiphase materials, thermodynamic and kinetic aspects iii structure on the nano, micro, meso and macro scales iv mechanical behaviour - elastic and plastic deformation, creep and fatigue, fracture, strengthening, toughening and stiffening mechanisms.vii materials synthesis - vapour, liquid, colloidal, powder and solid-state deposition techniques viii bulk processing, heat and mass transfer, and fluid mechanics ix joining methods, surface treatment and the application of coatings xi materials design - compositional variation and processing to achieve required microstructures, and hence properties xii materials selection - consideration of all material types, materials processing methods, and product costs xiii degradation/durability of materials - effect of environment upon performance, corrosion, wear, and biodegradation xiv lifecycle analysis, sustainability and environmental impact.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Summarise and briefly explain the stages and technologies involved in the uranium fuel cycle and compare and contrast with the thorium fuel cycle; Discuss and explain the different processes for UF6 enrichment and for the conversion of DUF6 to low-level waste; Describe the effects of irradiation on the structure (at all length scales) and hence properties of nuclear graphite and pressure vessel steels, including fracture properties; State and briefly explain the main criteria for the approval of PLEX for AGR plant; Describe current and potential types of radioactive waste and current waste management strategies in the UK; Describe the key criteria underpinning the choice of packaging options for different types of radioactive waste and identify the key technical issues associated with waste packaging, interim storage and long-term storage of radioactive waste; Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, to enable appreciation of its scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies (SM1); Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of engineering processes (ELSE2); Understand the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate (ELSE4); Understand contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (eg operations and management, application and development of technology, etc) (EP1); Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes, or products (EP2); Understand the use of technical literature and other information sources (EP4); Demonstrate awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement (EP7); Demonstrate awareness of developing technologies related to own specialisation (SM4m); Understand the key drivers for business success, including innovation, calculated commercial risks and customer satisfaction (ELSE7m).
Assessment	28745-01 : Coursework : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Coursework (100%)
Other	None
Reading List