NUCLEAR REACTOR FUEL AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

This article describes embodiments of a nuclear fuel element for use in various types of nuclear reactors. One embodiment of the nuclear fuel element comprises a plurality of solid nuclear fuel particles, such as tristructural isotropic fuel particles (TRISOs), intermixed in a non-solid matrix that is substantially stagnant relative to the plurality of solid nuclear fuel particles. The non-solid matrix may comprise a liquid metal, a liquid metal alloy, and a liquid salt. Various embodiments of the non-solid matrix include tin, lead, sodium, aluminum, bismuth, and alloys thereof. A method for manufacturing a nuclear fuel and embodiments of a nuclear fuel hub comprising the nuclear fuel element are also described.