Abstract

In this paper, a model for the actinide redistribution mechanism in mixed oxide fuel for a sodium fast reactor is presented and compared with measured data collected from post irradiation examination on fuel from the JOYO experimental reactor. The model considers that solid-state thermal diffusion and vapour transport can simultaneously contribute to the plutonium and americium radial profiles. The effect of fuel non-stoichiometry on actinide transport as well as on pore velocity is taken into account. The model is embedded into the TRANSURANUS fuel rod performance code and calculates the evolution of the Am and Pu concentrations as a function of the radial temperature profile. The calculated actinide distribution is in good agreement with the experimental data. The results confirm that under normal operation conditions with a decreasing fuel power during its life-time, redistribution via pore migration is extremely important only during the central hole formation at the beginning of life, whereas thermal diffusion represents the dominant effect for long-term irradiation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.