School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Metallic fuel systems, e.g. U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr, are attractive fuels for advanced nuclear reactor concepts, such as the advanced sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) as these fuels exhibit high thermal conductivity, proliferation resistance, excellent compatibility with the sodium coolant, and in some configurations inherent safety.

Reducing footprint, cost and increasing reliability of power electronics and electric machines is essential to increase the penetration of these components on multiple vehicle platforms, as well as increase the market penetration of electric-drive vehicles.