Multiscale NTP Fuel Element Materials Simulation

Project will leverage a multiscale modeling approach pioneered for light water reactor (LWR) fuels to simulate performance in a prototypical environment. The objective is to conduct proof-of-concept simulations and illustrate the applicability of existing MARMOT (mesoscale) and BISON (macroscale) codes to CERMET Fuels in NTP conditions. Simulating the degradation of properties in CERMET fuels under the harsh conditions will require innovative computational analysis not currently available. The illustrations will be accomplished by determining the effective thermal conductivity in MARMOT and simulating heat conduction.

A key technology challenge for a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) system is the fabrication of a stable high temperature fuel. This innovative project seeks to develop modeling and simulation approaches to help in fuel element verification, since there are no test facilities in the U.S. capable of producing the required environment for effects of radiation and high-pressure, high-temperature hydrogen. Simulating the degradation of properties in CERMET fuels under the harsh operating conditions will require innovative computational analysis not currently available.

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