Ydinkäsiteltäviä

Ydinkäsiteltäviä is a Finnish term that translates to "nuclear fuel" in English. It refers to the material used in nuclear reactors to produce energy through nuclear fission. Typically, this material is uranium, often enriched to a higher concentration of the fissile isotope uranium-235. Other fissile materials, such as plutonium, can also be used as nuclear fuel.

Nuclear fuel is usually fabricated into specific shapes, such as pellets, which are then assembled into fuel rods. These fuel rods are bundled together to form fuel assemblies, which are loaded into the core of a nuclear reactor. In the reactor, a controlled nuclear chain reaction occurs, releasing a significant amount of heat. This heat is then used to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity.

The process of handling, fabricating, and managing nuclear fuel is subject to strict safety regulations due to its radioactive nature. Spent nuclear fuel, which is no longer efficient for power generation, remains highly radioactive and requires careful management, including storage and eventual disposal in designated facilities. The research and development of advanced nuclear fuels continue to focus on improving efficiency, safety, and waste reduction.