Fig. 3-1

Process of mechanical energy generation during high burnup fuel failure under RIA conditions High burnup fuel; i.e., fuel that has been used for a long period, contains large amounts of fission product (FP) gases at the fuel grain boundaries. The rapid fuel temperature rise during an accident causes thermal expansion of the FP gases, leading to fuel fragmentation. The enlarged fuel surface area resulting from this fragmentation brings about mechanical energy generation through thermal interaction between the fuel fragments and coolant.

Go back by your web browser, or click the right button.