State of FBR technology on the international level

This paper presents a scientific and technological balance-sheet of the advantages and disadvantages of FBR type reactors in the domains of nuclear fuels, sodium technology (leaks detection, safety, sodium-water reactions and sodium-structures interactions), in-service inspection, materials testing, core safety, thermo-hydraulics, structure mechanics, structural materials (high energy neutron flux and temperature effects), neutronics etc.. This analysis shows that the state of technology of FBR reactors, at a national, european and worldwide level, indicates that most of the knowledge and tools necessary to improve the existing reactors for sur-generation, under-generation, or actinides incineration use, are now available. However, a continuation of research and development programs on existing reactors and involving international collaboration is necessary to reach this goal. (J.S.). 7 figs