What are the possible solutions to the challenges of Liquid Metal Cooled Reactors?

 

Fuel Swelling: The retention of fission products in carbide and nitride fuels might result in more significant swelling compared to oxide fuels and worsen fuel-cladding mechanical interaction (FCMI). The current designs of metal and oxide fuel pins are able to accommodate the expansion of the fuel. Fuel/Cladding Chemical Interaction: Iron can produce a eutectic alloy with metal uranium and plutonium, which has a low melting point. The coolant output temperature of a metal fuel core may be restricted, such as to 510 degrees Celsius, in contrast to around 550| degrees Celsius for oxide fuel cores due to limitations imposed by structural elements. Fuel/Cladding Mechanical Interaction: Intense and robust fuel formations exert pressure on the cladding, especially under high burnup conditions. It has the poorest performance when it comes to nitride and carbide materials, and it imposes a restriction on the maximum burnup for ceramic fuels. Fuel/Coolant Compatibility: Oxide fuel undergoes a chemical reaction with sodium coolant. Implement more stringent restrictions on fuel pin failures to Mitigate the risk of potential flow obstructions.