Fuel rods operating for several years in a LWR can experience fuel-cladding gap closure as result of the phenomena due to temperature and irradiation. Local power increase induces circumferential stresses cladding different expansion pellet. In presence corrosive fission products (i.e. Iodine) beyond specific stress threshold level burnup, cracks may grow-up from internal external surface, caus...

-This paper reviews some leading novel energy conversion approaches which are aimed at improving power generation efficiency and/or reducing harmful emissions. Some of the concepts used for cycle improvement are higher top temperatures, improved combustion systems, evasion of the Carnot limit by integration with fuel cells and direct nuclear energy conversion to power (the nuclear generator), r...