About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Symposium
|
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Presentation Title |
Modeling and Simulation of Constituent Redistribution in U-Zr Annular Fuel |
| Author(s) |
Yogesh Kumar, Jacob Hirschhorn, Michael Tonks |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Yogesh Kumar |
| Abstract Scope |
The constituent redistribution observed in post-irradiation annealing of annular U-Zr fuel slugs varies significantly from that observed in solid fuel slugs. Current BISON models for redistribution under-predict the reduction in size of the annulus and shows very little constituent redistribution. The only mechanisms for closure of the annulus currently considered in BISON are swelling and creep. We hypothesize that in addition to these mechanisms, there is mass transport of Zr into the annulus. To incorporate this into BISON, we are developing two models of this mass transport. First, we are developing a quantitative macroscale phase field model that will predict the U and Zr transport into the annulus driven by the temperature gradient. In addition, we will develop a mass transport model using the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM). It will use a level set method to model the moving inner boundary of the fuel. The phase field model captures all the relevant physics driving the behavior but will be too computationally expensive for use in a standard BISON model. We will use it to parameterize the computationally efficient XFEM approach. These models will be used in predicting fuel behavior in annular U-Zr fuel and will uncover the underlying mechanism behind constituent redistribution for metallic fuels. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |