FUEL ROD Meaning and
Definition
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A fuel rod refers to a cylindrical tube used to house nuclear fuel in a nuclear reactor. It is an essential component of a nuclear power plant and plays a crucial role in the energy generation process. The fuel rod is typically made of zirconium alloy, which provides excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity properties.
Inside the fuel rod, small pellets of enriched uranium dioxide or mixed oxide fuel (such as uranium-plutonium oxide) are stacked in a controlled arrangement. These pellets undergo a nuclear fission process, wherein atoms split, releasing an enormous amount of energy. This energy is harnessed to generate steam, which drives turbines and ultimately produces electricity.
The fuel rods are designed to provide efficient heat transfer to the surrounding coolant while preventing the release of radioactive materials. They have tightly sealed ends to maintain the integrity of the reactor and to avoid the escape of volatile substances. Periodically, fuel rods need to be replaced in a process known as refueling, due to the depletion of the fissile material and the accumulation of fission products, which hinder efficient energy production.
Proper handling, storage, and disposal of spent fuel rods are of utmost importance due to their high radioactivity levels. Specific safety measures and regulations ensure their secure transportation and storage in specially designed facilities until they can be properly managed.
Etymology of FUEL ROD
The word "fuel rod" is composed of two parts: "fuel" and "rod".
The term "fuel" originated from the Old English word "fēol", which means "fuel, food". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*felą" or "*fulją", meaning "fuel, material for burning".
The word "rod" originated from the Old English word "rod", which means "a straight stick, pole, or rod". This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*rōdaz".
When combined, the term "fuel rod" refers to a straight, usually cylindrical, object that contains fuel or material for burning. In the context of nuclear energy, it specifically refers to a rod-shaped component used to enclose and control the nuclear fuel in a nuclear reactor.
Similar spelling words for FUEL ROD
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