Fuel rod model based on Non-Fourier heat conduction equation

Abstract

In this paper we explore the applicability of a fuel rod mathematical model based on Non-Fourier transient heat conduction as constitutive law for the Light Water Reactors transient analysis (LWRs). In the classical theory of diffusion, Fourier law of heat conduction is used to describe the relation between the heat flux vector and the temperature gradient assuming that the heat propagation speeds are infinite. The motivation for this research was to eliminate the paradox of an infinite thermal wave speed. The time-dependent heat sources were considered in the fuel rod heat transfer model. The close of the Main Steam Isolated Valves (MSIV) transient in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) was analyzed by different relaxation times. The results show that for long-times the heat fluxes on the clad surface under Non-Fourier approach can be important, while for short-times and from the engineering point of view the changes are very small. Some results from transient calculations are examined.