Automation of High-Fidelity Modeling of PWR Fuel Rods and Verification

Abstract Definition of a high-fidelity finite element model of a fuel rod is complex and error-prone. In order to make the models affordable for the purpose of design and analysis, this study developed an automated procedure for generation of the finite element models of fuel rods within the general-purpose finite element modeling environment, i.e., ABAQUS/CAE, by using the parametric modeling technique with embedding the best modeling strategy that balances both efficiency and accuracy. The generated models are then verified against typical experimental measurements. Based on the results, several physics models, such as the thermal conductivity model and the fission gas release model, are evaluated. It was shown the automated modeling program can build a wide range of rods within several minutes. Important parameters such as the centerline temperature, the burnup distribution, the elongation of the fuel active zone and the diameter change of the cladding can be predicted with high accuracy under real power histories. The fission gas release can be qualitatively analyzed as well. A combination of the automated modeling program and the fuel performance analysis program therefore allows rapid high-fidelity modeling of real fuel rods and quantitative evaluation of their performance, which provides an important tool for assisting the design of advanced fuels.