Evaluation of a pellet-clad mechanical interaction in mixed oxide fuels during power transients by using axisymmetric finite element modeling

Abstract

MOX fuel rod behavior due to PCMI during power transients was evaluated using a finite element code, ABAQUS. Clad elongation is calculated through a coupled temperature-displacement analysis where a half-pellet is axisymmetrically modeled. Parametric study for the PCMI model is preliminary performed to identify the dominant factors and examine the applicable range of the model. The comparison of the predicted results with recent MOX in-pile data shows that the centerline temperature and clad elongation are evaluated within an acceptable range.