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Development and verification of the LIFE-GCFR computer code for predicting gas-cooled fast-breeder-reactor fuel rod performance

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5693337
The fuel-pin modeling code, LIFE-GCFR, has been developed to predict the thermal, mechanical and fission-gas behavior of a Gas Cooled Fast Reactor (GCFR) fuel rod under normal operating conditions. It consists of three major components: thermal, mechanical and fission-gas analysis. LIFE-GCFR predictions have been checked against experimental observations. The overall good agreement of predictions with test results demonstrates that LIFE-GCFR is, in its present state, a suitable tool for predicting the thermal, mechanical and fission-gas behavior of GCFR fuel rods. The reference GCFR fuel-element design was analyzed with this verified LIFE-GCFR code under various operating conditions, and the results are discussed. Finally, suggestions for further research are given. Modeling efforts in off-normal and/or design-basis transient analysis, axial blanket analysis, fission-gas analysis with fast running capability, and the analysis of highly localized fuel and cladding behavior are recommended.
OSTI ID:
5693337
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English