Development and demonstration of a BISON–Griffin modeling framework for the design of targeted TRISO transient experiments in the Transient Reactor Test Facility

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design 2025-01, Vol.431, p.113720, Article 113720
• Main Authors: Hirschhorn, Jacob A., Jaradat, Mustafa K., Sweet, Ryan T., Demkowicz, Paul A., Balestra, Paolo, Strydom, Gerhard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: BISON; Fuel performance; Griffin; MOOSE; NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS; Transient testing; TREAT; TRISO
• ISSN: 0029-5493
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2024.113720

Uranium oxycarbide (UCO)-bearing tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) particle fuels are expected to be used in numerous U.S. commercial reactor applications within the next decade. In this work, we reviewed historical particle fuel transient experiments to identify gaps in TRISO fuel performance transient testing. A BISON–Griffin modeling framework was then developed to conduct preliminary TRISO transient analyses and begin to address these gaps. The framework was demonstrated using limiting-case transient conditions from a prototypic high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). It was then applied to develop a matrix of experiments that could be performed in the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) to (1) evaluate UCO-fueled particle performance at moderate and high heat rates, (2) assess whether historical testing involving UO2-fueled particles is applicable to modern UCO-fueled particles, (3) deconvolute the impacts of temperature and heat rate on particle transient response, and (4) collect the data needed for fuel performance model validation and/or further development. •Potential gaps in historic TRISO fuel performance transient testing were identified.•A BISON–Griffin TRISO transient modeling framework was developed and demonstrated.•It could be applied to design experiments for the Transient Reactor Test Facility.