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Pebbles simulation of static friction and new static friction benchmark

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

Abstract

Pebble bed reactors contain large numbers of spherical fuel elements arranged randomly. Determining the motion and location of these fuel elements is useful for calculating certain parameters of pebble bed reactor operation. Static friction affects both the arrangement of the pebbles and the forces they transmit. This paper documents the PEBBLES static friction model used to simulate the motion of pebbles in pebble bed reactors. The model uses a three-dimensional differential static friction approximation extended from the two-dimensional Cundall and Strack model. The derivation of determining the rotational transformation of pebble-to-pebble static friction force is provided. A new implementation for a differential rotation method for pebble-to-container static friction force has been created. Previous published methods are insufficient for pebble bed reactor geometries. A new analytical static friction benchmark is documented that can be used to verify key static friction simulation parameters. This benchmark is based on determining the exact pebble-to-pebble and pebble-to-container static friction coefficients required to maintain a stable five-sphere pyramid.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2010, PHYSOR 2010
PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
Pages1223-1235
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9781617820014
StatePublished - 2010
EventInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2010, PHYSOR 2010 - Pittsburgh, United States
Duration: May 9 2010May 14 2010

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2010, PHYSOR 2010
Volume2

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2010, PHYSOR 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPittsburgh
Period05/9/1005/14/10

Keywords

  • DEM simulation
  • PBR
  • Static friction

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