Multidimensional modeling of fuel-cladding friction in an LWR fuel rod

Recuero, Antonio Martin; Gamble, Kyle A.; Yushu, Dewen; Lindsay, Alexander D.

doi:10.1016/j.nucengdes.2024.113291

Multidimensional modeling of fuel-cladding friction in an LWR fuel rod

Journal Article · Thu May 16 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Nuclear Engineering and Design

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nucengdes.2024.113291· OSTI ID:2370474

Recuero, Antonio Martin ^[1]; ^[2]; ^[2]; ^[2]

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

Solving finite element problems with friction often increases the level of difficulty to obtain properly converged solutions. This type of challenge becomes more salient when advanced, possibly multiscale, material models are employed to capture the thermomechanical behavior of fuel and cladding materials. Here the present work details our recent developments in a nuclear fuel performance finite element code for the systematic consideration of friction in nuclear reactor finite element simulations. We show the application of friction and its effects on the mechanics of light-water reactor rods accounting for various fuel constitutive modeling techniques, model dimensionalities, pellet assumed geometries, and power conditions. In particular, we focus on the fuel rod mechanical behavior as it relates to fuel constitutive models, sensitivity to the coefficient of friction, pellet states of stress, and rod elongation. We discuss the trade-offs between the various multidimensional modeling options and highlight the relevance of frictional effects in the prediction of the fuel rod deformation and interfacial stresses. To relate our modeling results with actual reactor operation, simulations including frictional effects are compared with fuel rod elongation experimental data and some challenges for carrying out a full validation of the axial mechanics are discussed.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC07-05ID14517

OSTI ID:: 2370474

Report Number(s):: INL/JOU--23-75468-Revision 0

Journal Information:: Nuclear Engineering and Design, Journal Name: Nuclear Engineering and Design Journal Issue: - Vol. 424; ISSN 0029-5493

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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42 ENGINEERING
97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING
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Multidimensional modeling of fuel-cladding friction in an LWR fuel rod

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