Abstract
In a light water reactor, nuclear fuel element melting is critical. This paper will introduce the experimental studies on the melting and relocation behaviors of the single fuel rod and 3 × 3 fuel bundle imitators based on aluminum and zinc as alternative materials. The eutectic reaction can occur between Al and Zn. Moreover, the lower melting points of Al and Zn allow us to observe the experimental phenomena directly. In this paper, three single-rod experiments and a rod bundle experiment are discussed in detail. The results of the experiments are analyzed at both macro and micro levels. In the experiments of slowly increasing temperature, the melting phenomena of fuel rod imitators mainly include rod deformation, eutectic reaction, melting, erosion, and molten materials relocation. Among them, the existence of a eutectic reaction between materials will make the materials melt under their melting point, which significantly influences the melting time and behavior of the rod. Through this study, the nuclear fuel rods melting and relocation behaviors under the influence of the eutectic reaction can be observed, and the experimental results can provide data support for the development of related models.
Published Version
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