Performance analysis of UO2 fuel rod for low-power research reactor application

Abstract

A concept of low-power research reactor (LPRR) with innovative design features is recently proposed by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) in South Korea. A conventional UO2-Zircaloy 4 fuel rod is proposed to be used as a driver fuel for the operation since it is advantageous to employ the conventional fuel rod in terms of sustainable long-term operation and cost-efficiency of the LPRR. The fuel rod for the given core specification was designed in detail.

The performance analysis for UO2-Zircaloy 4 fuel rod was conducted to show its irradiation behaviors with the modification of FRAPCON code which is utilized for the commercial UO2 fuel performance analysis. Temperature distribution from fuel pellet centerline to bulk coolant was estimated, in which fuel centerline temperature at the axial peak power location was much lower than fuel melting temperature. The design analysis for the fuel safety in terms of rod internal pressure and cladding hoop stress was addressed to confirm the applicability of the fuel rod in the LPRR.