Multiscale Investigation of Thermal Transport in UO_2 Fuel using Modeling and Simulation

摘要

The thermal conductivity of LWR fuel is one of the most critical material parameters impacting the efficiency and safety of the reactor. Thus, a significant effort is being made to develop a mechanistic understanding of the impact of temperature and burnup on it. In this work, we have provided a short summary of modeling and simulation efforts being carried out at the atomistic and mesoscale to understand this critical property. These research efforts are providing a fundamental understanding of the thermal transport in unirradiated UO_2, as well as the impact of radiation damage and fission products on thermal transport. These efforts have been focused on UO_2, but they also are laying the framework for conducted similar simulations to investigate new accident tolerant fuel concepts.