Simulation and optimization design of fuel rod in pressurized water fuel assemblies

摘要

Since the working environment of the pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuel element is complex, the analysis and optimization of its performance involve many physical phenomena, such as thermic, mechanics and so on. In order to analyze and optimize the performance of PWR fuel element, the column fuel element (CFE), singular-cooled annular fuel element (SCAFE) and dual-cooled annular fuel element (DCAFE) are simulated based on the finite element analysis software called ABAQUS. For the DCAFE, the inner diameter is modified, and the concept of "normalized volume parameter" is proposed to eliminate the influence of volume change on the performance of the fuel element, and to accurately describe the thermodynamic performance of the fuel element under different inner and outer diameters. The results show that: The DCAFE has advantages of low von Mises stress, small radial displacement and low temperature. When the ratio of inner and outer diameters is about 0.67, thermodynamic properties are the best and the optimal size is achieved.