Melting Temperature of MOX Fuel for FBR Applications: TRANSURANUS Modelling and Experimental Findings

The paper is focused on the modelling of the melting temperature of MOX fuel for fast breeder reactors (FBRs). After a review of the models available in the TRANSURANUS code and in the open literature, their predictions were compared with an experimental dataset compiled from published measurements. The recommended model of TRANSURANUS was confirmed to be in good agreement with experimental data, and could be extended with that of Konno in order to account for the presence of minor actinides. A critical discussion of the comparison provided additional useful indications for the future development of the code and for the recommendations to the users involved in the analysis of the performance of fast reactor fuel. Finally, the review of the experimental data indicate the need for a reassessment of the effect of the oxygen-to-metal ratio on the melting temperature in the low plutonium content that is relevant for FBR fuel.

CALABRESE Rolando;  MANARA Dario;  SCHUBERT Arndt;  VAN DE LAAR Jacques;  VAN UFFELEN Paul; 

2015-03-18

ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA

JRC89486

0029-5493,   

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029549314003719,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC89486,   

10.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.06.024,