A multidimensional and multiphysics approach to nuclear fuel behavior simulation

S. R. Novascone, Richard Williamson, Jason Hales, M. R. Tonks, D. R. Gaston, Cody Permann, D. Andrs, R. C. Martineau

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Important aspects of fuel rod behavior are inherently multidimensional in addition to being complicated multiphysics problems. However, many current fuels modeling tools are strictly 2D axisymmetric or even 1.5D. This paper outlines the capabilities of a new fuel modeling tool able to analyze either 2D axisymmetric or fully 3D models. The need for multiphysics, multidimensional modeling is then demonstrated through a set of example problems. The first, a 10-pellet rodlet, demonstrates the viability of the solution method employed. This example highlights the effect of our smeared cracking model and also shows the multidimensional nature of discrete fuel pellet modeling. The second example relies on our multidimensional, multiphysics approach to analyze a missing pellet surface problem. As a final example, we show a 5-pellet rodlet simulation coupled to lower-length-scale simulations of bubble growth.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2012, PHYSOR 2012
Subtitle of host publicationAdvances in Reactor Physics
Pages1917-1929
Number of pages13
StatePublished - 2012
EventInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2012: Advances in Reactor Physics, PHYSOR 2012 - Knoxville, TN, United States
Duration: Apr 15 2012Apr 20 2012

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2012, PHYSOR 2012: Advances in Reactor Physics
Volume3

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2012: Advances in Reactor Physics, PHYSOR 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKnoxville, TN
Period04/15/1204/20/12

Keywords

  • Multidimensional
  • Multiphysics
  • Nuclear fuel behavior
  • PCMI

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