Ydinaineksia

Ydinaineksia is a Finnish term that translates to "nuclear fuel" in English. It refers to the fissile material used in nuclear reactors to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. The most common form of ydinaineksia is uranium, specifically enriched uranium, where the concentration of the fissile isotope uranium-235 has been increased. Other fissile materials, such as plutonium, can also be used as ydinaineksia.

The production of ydinaineksia is a complex process. Uranium ore is mined, milled, and then chemically processed to extract uranium. This uranium is typically converted into a gas, uranium hexafluoride, which is then enriched to increase the proportion of uranium-235. The enriched uranium is then fabricated into fuel pellets, which are loaded into fuel rods. These fuel rods are assembled into fuel assemblies, which are then used in nuclear reactors.

The use of ydinaineksia in nuclear power plants generates heat through nuclear fission. This heat is used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. The safe handling and disposal of ydinaineksia, as well as spent nuclear fuel, are critical aspects of nuclear energy production, requiring strict regulations and advanced technological solutions.