Multi-Physics Field Coupling Optimization Study for U3si2-Al Arc-Type Fuel Plate Performance Analysis

Abstract

Due to its favorable thermal conductivity and superior fuel performance, plate-type fuel elements have found widespread application in research reactors. This study focuses primarily on the fuel performance analysis of high-flux reactor plate-type dispersed fuel elements. Building upon traditional thermo-mechanical coupling, Monte Carlo simulations are introduced for neutron transport calculations, establishing a nuclear-thermal-mechanical coupling framework. This framework facilitates irradiation-induced swelling and stress-strain computations, thereby accomplishing a comprehensive safety analysis for the fuel element. The geometric modeling process employs the ODR-VS method, offering an efficient and accurate approach for constructing a stochastic medium model. Additionally, recognizing the impact of temperature on fuel plate material properties, this research investigates the sensitivity of thermal and mechanical properties to temperature variations. Subsequently, the study explores the influence of temperature on the stress and strain field of the fuel plate.

Keywords: Plate-type fuel element, ABAQUS, Monte Carlo method, Multi-physics, ODR-VS method, U3Si2/Al