Analyzing Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated as Accident Tolerant Fuel
Analyzing Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated as Accident Tolerant Fuel
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.7632427126
Palavras-chave: combustivel totalmente cerâmico micro-encapsulado, TRISO, reator a gás de alta temperatura.
Keywords: Fully ceramic microencapsulated, accident tolerant fuel, TRISO, high temperature gas reactor.
Abstract: A new kind of tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) particle fuel based on silicon carbide matrix is the fully ceramic microencapsulated fuel (FCM). The FCM concept is an innovative, more tolerant fuel aggregating high robustness and safety. The FCM shows a high structural heterogeneity because four layers surround the kernel. In TRISO fuel, successive layers cover the kernel, such as porous carbon buffer, pyrolytic carbon, and silicon carbide layers. The buffer layer shows excellent retention of fission products, permitting long burn cycles and improving fuel efficiency. Options for kernel materials include uranium mononitride or uranium oxycarbide and composites with fertile materials. In pressurized water reactors (PWRs), the fuel assembly requires around 20% of uranium enrichment for 17x17 arrangements. Besides, the fuel's outer diameter and pitch must suffer changes. It also investigates several thermal physical models and heritage from early codes used for TRISO fuels applied for next-generation reactor designs.
- Daniel de Souza Gomes