The evolution of safety criteria

The safety criteria linked to the resistance of fuel cladding were defined in the seventies, when the French nuclear programme began. However, given the evolution of knowledge, the materials used in reactors it appears necessary to consider the question on the adequacy and appropriateness of the design criteria, possibly to define new criteria. In any event, a modification of criteria constitutes an important stake for each actors of the nuclear; it must be an improvement of the safety and require a correct understanding of numerous physical phenomena involved. (N.C.)