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CourseAutomotive & Motorsport Enrolment open

Course in Innovations in Fuel Encapsulation

Online 300-hour course in fuel encapsulation innovations. 6 modules covering 10 CFR 50.46 (ECCS acceptance criteria), ASTM B811 (zirconium alloy tubes for cladding) and BISON. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesOctober / March
LocationEurope (Madrid)
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe the function of cladding and encapsulation in fuel safety.

02

Analyse the advantages and limitations of chromium-coated cladding.

03

Compare the FeCrAl and SiC cladding concepts.

04

Explain the structure and behaviour of TRISO particles.

05

Evaluate advanced pellets using modelling tools.

06

Relate new concepts to regulatory acceptance criteria.

07

Critically evaluate an innovative encapsulation concept.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Fuel design engineer who wants to specialise in Innovations in Fuel Encapsulation.
  • Researcher in accident-tolerant fuels who wants to specialise in Innovations in Fuel Encapsulation.
  • Nuclear materials engineer who wants to specialise in Innovations in Fuel Encapsulation.
  • Fuel performance analyst who wants to specialise in Innovations in Fuel Encapsulation.
  • Fuel licensing engineer who wants to specialise in Innovations in Fuel Encapsulation.
  • R&D technician in cladding manufacturing who wants to specialise in Innovations in Fuel Encapsulation.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter nuclear fuel manufacturing.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • 10 CFR 50.46 (ECCS acceptance criteria)
  • ASTM B811 (zirconium alloy tubes for cladding)
  • IAEA SSG-52 (reactor core design)
  • NUREG-0800, section 4.2 (fuel system design)
  • ASTM C1793 (SiC/SiC composites in nuclear applications)
  • ASTM C776 (sintered UO2 pellets)
  • ASME NQA-1 (quality assurance)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Functions of the cladding as the first barrier
  2. 1.2Zirconium alloys: Zircaloy-2, Zircaloy-4
  3. 1.3Advanced alloys: ZIRLO, M5 and Optimized ZIRLO
  4. 1.4Rod and end-plug design
  5. 1.5Failure mechanisms: PCI, fretting and hydriding
  6. 1.6Lessons from the Fukushima accident
  7. 1.7Accident-tolerant fuels (ATF)
  8. 1.8DOE ATF programme
  9. 1.9Operating experience of new designs
  10. 1.10Case study: rod failure analysis
  1. 2.1Physical vapour deposition
  2. 2.2Cold spray
  3. 2.3Coating adhesion and microstructure
  4. 2.4High-temperature steam oxidation
  5. 2.5Cr-Zr interdiffusion
  6. 2.6Behaviour under irradiation
  7. 2.7Framatome and Westinghouse programmes
  8. 2.8Tests in commercial reactors
  9. 2.9Licensing of coated cladding
  10. 2.10Laboratory: parabolic oxidation kinetics
  1. 3.1FeCrAl alloys: composition and properties
  2. 3.2Neutron penalty of iron
  3. 3.3Tritium release through FeCrAl
  4. 3.4SiCf/SiC composites as cladding
  5. 3.5Leak-tightness and manufacture of SiC tubes
  6. 3.6Joints and end plugs in SiC
  7. 3.7Hydrothermal behaviour of SiC
  8. 3.8Performance comparison under LOCA
  9. 3.9Qualification challenges
  10. 3.10Practical: neutronic comparison of cladding materials
  1. 4.1TRISO particle structure
  2. 4.2PyC and SiC layers
  3. 4.3Fluidised bed fabrication
  4. 4.4Fission product retention
  5. 4.5INL AGR programme
  6. 4.6Fuel in a graphite matrix
  7. 4.7FCM fuel with SiC matrix
  8. 4.8TRISO in microreactors and HTGRs
  9. 4.9Spent TRISO fuel management
  10. 4.10Case study: particle failure analysis in AGR-2
  1. 5.1Chromia- and alumina-doped pellets
  2. 5.2Uranium silicide U3Si2
  3. 5.3Uranium nitride and high-density fuels
  4. 5.4Metallic fuel and fast reactor cladding
  5. 5.5Cladding for high-burnup fuel
  6. 5.6Modelling with BISON and TRANSURANUS
  7. 5.7Transient testing in TREAT
  8. 5.8Economic and regulatory aspects
  9. 5.9NEA roadmap for ATF
  10. 5.10Workshop: encapsulation concept selection matrix
  1. 6.1Reactor definition and requirements
  2. 6.2Selection of candidate concepts
  3. 6.3Normal operation analysis
  4. 6.4Accident analysis
  5. 6.5Neutronic and economic assessment
  6. 6.6Qualification and licensing pathway
  7. 6.7Final comparison
  8. 6.8Synthesis of results
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is BISON, FRAPCON/FRAPTRAN, TRANSURANUS, COMSOL Multiphysics, Thermo-Calc, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for high-temperature oxidation tests, cladding burst tests and fuel behaviour modelling. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-focused Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design focus, with OT cybersecurity, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Reactor definition and requirements

Describe the function of cladding and encapsulation in fuel safety.

Selection of candidate concepts

Analyse the advantages and limitations of chromium-coated cladding.

Normal operation analysis

Compare the FeCrAl and SiC cladding concepts.

Accident analysis

Explain the structure and behaviour of TRISO particles.

Neutronic and economic assessment

Evaluate advanced pellets using modelling tools.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Fuel design engineerResearcher in accident-tolerant fuelsNuclear materials engineerFuel performance analystFuel licensing engineerR&D technician in cladding manufacturing
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 total hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.

You work with BISON, FRAPCON/FRAPTRAN, TRANSURANUS, COMSOL Multiphysics, Thermo-Calc. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An in-house SEIUM diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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