Review of high temperature thermochemical properties and application in phase-field modelling of incipient melting in defective fuel

In a defective fuel element, fuel oxidation may occur that may affect the thermal performance of the fuel element thereby increasing the potential for centreline melting. A review of UO 2+ x material properties is presented, and methods of extrapolation to melting conditions are, where necessary, re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of nuclear materials 2011-05, Vol.412 (3), p.342-349
Main Authors: Welland, M.J., Lewis, B.J., Thompson, W.T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Controled nuclear fusion plants
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Fission nuclear power plants
Fuels
Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy
Nuclear fuels
Preparation and processing of nuclear fuels
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Summary:In a defective fuel element, fuel oxidation may occur that may affect the thermal performance of the fuel element thereby increasing the potential for centreline melting. A review of UO 2+ x material properties is presented, and methods of extrapolation to melting conditions are, where necessary, recommended based on mechanistic considerations and self-consistency among the properties. These properties are implemented in a phase-field model derived through the theory of irreversible processes to simulate coupled heat and mass transport in the presence of a dynamic, non-congruent phase change. Simulation results are presented for centreline melting in operational, defective nuclear fuel showing that centreline melting is a self-regulating process.
ISSN:0022-3115
1873-4820
DOI:10.1016/j.jnucmat.2011.03.036