A multidimensional and multiphysics approach to nuclear fuel behavior simulation

S. R. Novascone, R. L. Williamson, J. D. Hales, M. R. Tonks, D. R. Gaston, C. J. Permann, D. Andrs, R. C. Martineau

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    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 (US)
    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

    Other

    OtherInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2012: Advances in Reactor Physics, PHYSOR 2012
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityKnoxville, TN
    Period4/15/124/20/12

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • Nuclear Energy and Engineering

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A multidimensional and multiphysics approach to nuclear fuel behavior simulation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this