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At least 181 records · Page 10

Bison Analyses of Fuel Forms used in Small Modular Reactors

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are actively being pursued by the international nuclear industry. The Bison fuel performance code developed at Idaho National Laboratory is a tool capable of analyzing the thermo-mechanical response and species diffusion for a wide variety of fuel types under both normal and accident conditions. Two of the fuel types considered for a wide range of SMRs are TRISO fuel particles and metallic fuel. This paper provides an overview of the capabilities in Bison for these fuel types with a few example studies relevant for the SMR industry.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

High-Burnup LOCA Burst Susceptibility BISON Analysis in PWRs and BWRs

Accurately assessing high-burnup fuel behavior during loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs) is essential for understanding fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal (FFRD) risks across the US light-water reactor fleet. This work updates previous Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) Program multiphysics LOCA analyses for a pressurized water reactor (PWR) and a boiling water reactor (BWR) by incorporating recent model and material property advancements in the BISON fuel performance code, including a high-burnup structure (HBS) model, revised cladding burst criteria, and updated thermal–mechanical correlations. This update was needed to support ongoing industry initiatives and upcoming regulatory changes. Full-core, rod-resolved operating histories generated using Virtual Environment for Reactor Analysis (VERA) and system-level LOCA conditions obtained from TRACE were applied to statistically representative rod samples in BISON to evaluate burst behavior and FFRD susceptibility. These calculations used two cladding burst correlations and three fuel pulverization models so that the predictions of these models could be compared. The updated PWR simulations show markedly improved numerical stability as the number of crashed simulations decreased by 95% compared to the previous study, and hence higher confidence in results. The updated PWR simulations predicted cladding bursts exclusively among once-burned, high-power rods, with two different cladding burst models identifying the same burst-susceptible population. Resulting FFRD susceptibility estimates are significantly reduced compared with earlier studies, driven by cooler predicted fuel and plenum temperatures, lower hoop strains, and reduced fission gas release in the updated models. In contrast, none of the BWR rods were predicted to burst under either burst criterion, reaffirming minimal BWR FFRD susceptibility even with updated HBS and material models. Comparisons between the PWR and BWR end-of-cycle predictions are made. Comparison with prior work highlights significant shifts in PWR fuel performance metrics and confirmation of earlier BWR conclusions. Overall, the updated results underscore the importance of having high-resolution detailed modeling capability and continuously integrating evolving material models and physics into high-resolution multiphysics simulations. The unified assessment presented here strengthens confidence in predicting high-burnup LOCA behavior by improving agreement between different cladding burst correlations. These results also provide an improved foundation for future BISON model development, FFRD susceptibility calculations.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Status Report on Fast Flux Test Facility Mechanistic Fuel Failure Experiment Analysis with BISON for Post Irradiation Examination Support

The renewed interest in metallic U-Zr nuclear fuel alloy has led to a drive for deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving the phenomena observed under irradiation conditions. The Department of Energy Advanced Fuel Campaign has developed infrastructure to support metallic fuel development, including Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) of legacy Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Mechanistic Fuel Failure (MFF) experiments. The PIE performed on legacy FFTF MFF experiments gives insight on metallic fuel performance and can address the lack of knowledge and scarcity of reliable data identified in several studies over recent years. Unfortunately, PIE efforts can cost significant time and resources which can impede the progress of metallic U-Zr fuel development. Metallic U-Zr fuel performance modeling can be used to inform PIE efforts on regions of interest for relevant investigations and can help understand phenomena observed in PIE. This report demonstrates the current progress of FFTF MFF fuel performance simulations using the BISON fuel performance code and discusses the support provided by simulation to PIE efforts. Progress in temperature, profilometry, fission gas release, plenum pressure, and zirconium redistribution simulation results have been demonstrated.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Deployment of BISON models of fuel restructuring at high burnup and related fission gas behavior in UO 2

This milestone report details the advancements made in fiscal year 2024 under the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program to improve the modeling of fission gas behavior in high burnup UO 2 nuclear fuel in the BISON fuel performance code. As nuclear fuel is pushed to higher burnups, significant microstructural changes occur within the fuel, including the formation of a high burnup structure (HBS) on the pellet rim and a dark zone deeper within the pellet. These regions, characterized by subgrain formation and increased pore densities, have critical implications for fission gas behavior and release, which are not well understood. The modeling capabilities in BISON did not adequately predict these phenomena, leading to an underestimation of fuel restructuring and - potentially - of fission gas release. To address these gaps, this milestone focused on three key objectives: (1) reviewing and assessing Sifgrs's capabilities for low burnup fuel, on which high burnup capabilities rely, (2) validating and expanding HBS fission gas modeling capabilities, including investigating mechanisms for fission gas release from HBS, and (3) expanding Sifgrs to enable modeling of dark zone formation and its effects on fission gas behavior. These objectives were achieved and are described herein. The achievements of this NEAMS milestone are significant for the industry's goal of burnup extension. The improved predictive modeling capabilities for both low- and high-burnup conditions enhance our understanding of fuel performance under both normal operations and transient scenarios. Although goals were reached, future work is necessary to validate these models against experimental data and quantify their accuracy in different conditions. In parallel, mechanistic modeling efforts should continue to extend and refine these capabilities to increase accuracy while reducing reliance on empirical models. This will ensure robust performance across a broader range of conditions.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Improved LWR Fuel Rod Mechanics Models

There has been an ongoing effort to improve the mechanical constitutive models used in the BISON fuel performance code to improve their robustness and accuracy. This report documents recent work that was directed at improving the smeared cracking model used to represent fracture, especially for application to axisymmetric two-dimensional representations of light water reactor (LWR) fuel. It also demonstrates the application of this model in axisymmetric fuel rod simulations, including an example problem and a full-length axisymmetric LWR fuel rod model with available profilometry data in the BISON assessment test suite.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Evaluation of BISON metallic fuel performance modeling against experimental measurements within FIPD and IMIS databases

Simulations were conducted using the BISON fuel performance code on an automated process to read initial and operating conditions from two databases—the Fuels Irradiation and Physics Database (FIPD) and Integral Fast Reactor Materials Information System (IMIS) database. These databases contain metallic fuel data from the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) and the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). The work demonstrates use of an integrated framework to access EBR-II fuel pin data for evaluating fuel performance models contained within BISON to predict fuel performance of next-generation metallic fuel systems. Between IMIS and FIPD, there is enough information to conduct 1,977 unique EBR-II metallic fuel pin histories from 29 different experiments, and 338 pins from FFTF MFF-3 and MFF-5 with varying levels of details between the two databases. Each of these fuel performance histories includes a high-resolution power history, flux history, coolant channel flow rates, and coolant channel temperatures, and new model developments in BISON since the initial demonstration of this integrated framework. Fission gas release (FGR), cumulative damage fraction, fuel axial swelling, FCCI wastage thickness, cladding profilometry, and burnup were all simulated in BISON and compared to post-irradiation examination (PIE) results to evaluate BISON fuel performance modeling. Implementation of new fuel performance models into a generic BISON input file coupled with IMIS and FIPD yielded results with a better representation of physics than the initial evaluation of the integrated framework. Cladding profilometry, FGR, and fuel axial swelling were found to be in good agreement with PIE measurements for most of the pins simulated. The chosen mechanical contact solver was found to significantly impact the axial fuel swelling and cladding strain predictions when used in conjunction with the U-Pu-Zr hot-pressing model since it bound the fuel to prevent further swelling and increased hydrostatic stresses. This work suggests that fuel performance modeling in BISON under steady-state conditions represents the PIE data well and should be reassessed when new PIE data become available in IMIS and FIPD databases and when improved physical models to better capture fuel performance are added to BISON.

Paaren, Kyle M.↗

Metallic fuel transient fuel-cladding interface liquefaction model assessment platform enabled by integrating BISON with databases

A novel platform has been developed within the BISON fuel performance code to assess models of fuel-cladding interface liquefaction for sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) metallic fuels. Here, this platform is crucial because liquefaction at the fuel-cladding interface significantly impacts fuel performance and may compromise fuel pin integrity during transient events. To ensure accurate predictions, the platform integrates data collected during the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) program, now archived in metallic fuel databases. This integration supports verification and validation (V&V) of the models in BISON. Leveraging the extensive US experience with metallic fuel liquefaction and the collections of preserved legacy data, the platform serves as a powerful tool for evaluating existing models and advancing the development of new ones.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Modeling and Measurement of Axial Gas Transport in Nuclear Fuels

This document is an American Nuclear Society (ANS) transaction for the ANS annual conference. This transaction provides an overview of the Modeling and Measurement of Axial Gas Transport Laboratory Directed Research and Development project including preliminary modeling results. The goal is to provide model for axial gas transport in the Bison Fuel Performance code to support industry's desire to achieve higher burnups in existing light water reactors. A brief overview of the experimental approach and associated modeling activities is presented.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Development and demonstration of a methodology to evaluate high burnup fuel susceptibility to pulverization under a loss of coolant transient

For economic reasons, the US nuclear industry is renewing efforts to build a technical basis to extend rod average burnup limits above the current regulatory burnup limit of 62 GWd/MTU. The primary driver is to increase pressurized water reactor cycle lengths to 24 months, reducing the number of fresh fuel assemblies and core design constraints, thereby making core energy utilization more efficient. However, fuel pellet fragmentation and pulverization, termed high burnup fuel fragmentation (HBFF), has been observed in the high burnup (>90 GWd/MTU) Halden loss-of-coolant-accident (LOCA) integral test series. The issue gained attention when fuel fragmentation and pulverization were also observed closer to the current US regulatory limit during the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) sponsored out-of-core integral test at Studsvik Nuclear in early 2011. This led to NRC concerns with potential changes to fuel and core designs relative to fuel pellet pulverization. In a letter to the NRC Commissioners, the staff specifically identified a need to “…define the boundary of safe operation for key fuel design and operating parameters,” stating that “the staff is challenged to evaluate the acceptability of future fuel design advancements and fuel utilization changes.” As such, it can be concluded that HBFF and potential dispersal into the reactor coolant system introduces additional complications in light-water reactor (LWR) fuel safety evaluations. However, it is not clear how much fuel will be susceptible to HBFF; nor has there been a methodology developed to evaluate fuel susceptibility to HBFF. To that end, this paper proposes an analysis methodology to assess fuel susceptibility to HBFF during LOCA scenarios. The work presented here uses the BISON fuel performance code to evaluate a representative pressurized water reactor fuel rod exposed to a rod average burnup of 75 GWd/MTU. Sensitivity studies investigated the impact of the peak cladding temperature, transient fission gas released, and pre-transient fission gas release on cladding ballooning and burst timing. Subsequently, a methodology to assess fuel susceptibility to HBFF will be developed based on experimental data published in the open literature. The methodology will then be demonstrated by calculating the mass of fuel susceptibility to HBFF. The BISON results conclude that increasing peak cladding temperature drastically decreased time to failure, and decreased balloon size both of which have been confirmed experimentally. Additionally, the effect of pre-transient and transient fission gas release affected cladding balloon size and burst timing. Finally, fuel susceptibility to HBFF significantly decreased as a function of peak cladding temperature.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Impact of LWR Assembly Structural Features on Cladding Burst Behavior under LOCA Conditions

This report builds on the previous work by assessing the impact of assembly structural features on cladding balloon and burst behavior. The BISON fuel performance code was used to generate two dimensional RZ meshes containing structural features commonly used in nuclear fuel assemblies. The results were then compared to the cladding burst temperature and balloon strain results from the previous work. A mesh sensitivity study was performed to ensure spacer grid effects were appropriately considered, resulting in a more refined mesh than the previous study. The balloon deformation and burst times of the cladding were compared. Consideration was also given to the effect of rod initial pressure. Overall, the BISON simulations indicated the spacer grids can locally influence cladding performance, however, the impact on the cladding performance was minor.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Modeling of High-Temperature Corrosion of Zirconium Alloys Using the eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM)

Oxidation modeling in modern nuclear fuel performance codes is currently limited by the lack of coupling with mechanics, thus preventing proper description of how high-temperature oxidation impacts mechanical properties. This is mostly due to the fact that the finite difference formalism adopted in corrosion models is incompatible with the direct coupling with mechanics in the finite element modeling employed in modern nuclear fuel performance codes. In this study, a physically based zirconium alloy corrosion model called the Coupled-Current Charge Compensation (C4) model, which was initially developed for operating temperature conditions, has been updated to include high-temperature corrosion in order to provide additional critical information (e.g., oxygen concentration profile) under loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) conditions—information lacking in existing empirical models. The C4 model was implemented in the MOOSE finite-element framework developed at Idaho National Laboratory, enabling it to be used in the BISON nuclear fuel performance code based on the MOOSE framework. To precisely track the different interfaces at a relatively low computational cost, the eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) was applied in MOOSE. The model’s results were compared to those of existing empirical models as well as metallographic analysis of high-temperature oxidized Zircaloy-4 coupons. Oxygen diffusivities in the a and ß phases resulting from this comparison closely agree with those found in the literature. The C4 model implemented with X-FEM in MOOSE now has the capability to accurately predict oxide, oxygen-stabilized a, and prior ß phase layer growth kinetics under isothermal exposure at high temperature (1000–1500°C). Furthermore, in contrast with the empirical models, the C4 model accounts for the finite thickness of the fuel cladding. It can predict the oxygen concentration profile evolution through the whole cladding, enabling evaluation of the remaining ductile thickness—a crucial variable for modeling the mechanical behavior of the fuel cladding under LOCA. Furthermore, this implementation allows direct coupling with mechanics, at a low computing cost, using finite-element-based nuclear fuel performance codes such as BISON.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A layered 2D computational framework: Theory and applications to nuclear fuel behavior

Nuclear fuel performance computer codes have been developed over the last 50 years to analyze fuel behavior under various operating conditions. Traditionally, these codes used quasi-two-dimensional (also commonly known as 1.5D) representations of the fuel rod, which model the rod using a set of one-dimensional axisymmetric models that represent the behavior at specific axial positions on the rod. Modern fuel performance codes have the ability to investigate full three-dimensional (3D) effects and couple to other physics-based codes for true multiphysics simulations. However, with increasing complexity comes increasing computational costs. Many phenomena of interest involve azimuthally-varying behavior that cannot be represented using the aforementioned quasi-two-dimensional approach, but do not require the use of a full 3D model. To efficiently address these problems, there is a need for a computational framework that provides a compromise between the quasi-two-dimensional and full 3D models. In this paper, we present a new quasi-three-dimensional approach that represents the fuel as a set of 2D planar models that represent the behavior of the fuel cross-section at various axial positions. Presented here are the theory behind the methodology, test cases to illustrate proper implementation, and practical applications of its use in the BISON fuel performance code for a variety of cases in nuclear fuel analysis, such as fuel fracture, axial fuel relocation, and cladding distension and oxidation.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Axial Relocation Model Extension in Bison

Fuel rods subjected to a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) in a nuclear reactor can undergo a complex process known as fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal (FFRD). The loss of coolant results in a severe degradation of the thermal heat transfer coefficient on the waterside surface of the cladding. This, coupled with the loss of coolant pressure causes the cladding to distend (balloon) outward. If the cladding distention is large enough, fuel fragmented during irradiation, may relocate from upper regions of the rod into the ballooned region. This mass relocation results in increased localized heating due to the presence of more fuel within the balloon resulting in further clad distention leading to potential rupture of the cladding. In the event that cladding rupture occurs the relocated fragmented fuel may disperse outside of the rupture opening if the size of the fuel fragments is small enough. Fuel performance modeling can be used to help understand the behavior of fuel rods during the LOCA transient. Existing models are particularly limited in regards to FFRD. This report briefly describes the existing state of the art for fuel performance modeling of fragmentation and fuel axial relocation. A more in depth description the axial relocation model implemented into the Bison fuel performance code in FY17 is provided. In this report, the extension of this existing model from a layered 1D framework to a 2D framework that allows for the introduction of azimuthal variation in the boundary conditions as experienced during a LOCA is discussed. The 2D framework utilized has been developed by the author of this report as part of his dissertation research ongoing at the University of South Carolina under the direction of Professor Travis W. Knight. The report briefly describes the 2D framework used and highlights in more detail the required developments in Bison to facilitate the extension of the axial relocation model to work within this framework. Finally, a few demonstration cases are provided that illustrate the benefit of using the new extended axial relocation model for the simulation of fuel rods under LOCA conditions.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Characterization of modeling and experimental data inconsistencies from burst testing for high-burnup commercial fuel rod applications

Fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal are some of the largest issues remaining in the nuclear industry before rod-average burnup can be increased beyond 62 GWd/tU. The issue is primarily related to the potential for fuel to be dispersed into the reactor primary system, which may increase public risk. One way to prevent dispersal is to avoid cladding burst. The objective of this work is to support the high burnup safety case by evaluating cladding burst under high-burnup, full-length fuel rods and to identify uncertainties that could improve model predictions. The results of this analysis will evaluate realistic, prototypic loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) conditions; support future cladding burst test designs; and inform the development of mechanistic material models. Realistic high-burnup operating conditions were implemented in the BISON fuel performance code to simulate steady-state and LOCA transient fuel rod evolution to the point at which cladding burst occurred. Parametric studies are performed to assess code response to changes in rod internal pressures and heating rates. Results were compared with simulated LOCA experiments to identify inconsistencies between commercial fuel rod analysis and experimental validation. The representative full-length fuel rod LOCA simulation results did not agree with cladding burst tests. Cladding burst tests indicated burst occurring well below (100–150 °C) those calculated in the full-length fuel rod LOCA analysis. Further investigation indicated that the cladding burst tests do not appear to be representative for full-length fuel rods. The inconsistency investigated in this work showed that the differences between the BISON simulation and the experiment's cladding burst conditions arise from an incomplete characterization of the cladding surface temperature, detailed rodlet characterization, lack of cladding strain measurements, and uncertainty in the cladding creep and failure models.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

BISON capability and validation for U3Si2, Cr2O3-doped UO2, FeCrAl, and Cr-coated Zircaloy ATF concepts

Development, implementation, and validation of material and behavior models for accident tolerant fuel (ATF) concepts in the BISON fuel performance code began in 2014 in response to the events that occurred at the Fukushima Daichii nuclear power plant in March 2011. Early on, the focus was on U3Si2 fuel and FeCrAl cladding as part of a high-impact problem through the Nuclear Energy and Advanced Model- ing Simulation program [1]. Then, developments for Cr2O3- doped UO2 fuel, as well as SiC-SiC and Cr-coated Zircaloy cladding began based upon industry interests. Near the end of fiscal year 2018 the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors took over further Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) work in BISON in support of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) engagement. Discussions with the NRC clarified their list of priority fuel and cladding concepts, which included Cr2O3-doped UO2 and U3Si2 fuels, as well as Cr-coated Zircaloy and FeCrAl claddings. Further, reports similar in form to NUREG/CR-7024 [2] that was developed for traditional light water reactor (LWR) materials, UO2 fuel with Zircaloy claddings were created for the priority fuel and cladding concepts. In this paper select details from the reports entitled "ATF material model development and validation for priority fuel concepts" [3] and "ATF material model development and validation for priority cladding concepts" [4] are presented. First, a brief overview of the available models and their associated uncertainty are provided for the priority fuel and cladding concepts. Then, for the concepts with experimental data, comparisons between simulation and experiment are shown taking into account forward uncertainty quantification (UQ) techniques. For the concepts without publicly available experimental data, parametric studies incorporating forward UQ are completed to verify claims made about the materials’ behavior.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

A CALPHAD-informed approach to modeling constituent redistribution in Zr-based metallic fuels using BISON

Here, a CALPHAD-informed (Computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams and Thermochemistry) constituent redistribution model was developed for Zr-based metallic fuels and incorporated into the BISON fuel performance code. Three uncertain model parameters associated with β and γ phase kinetics were calibrated using integral test data from U-Zr fuel elements irradiated in Experimental Breeder Reactor II. The calibrated constituent redistribution model was shown to predict the behavior of U-Zr fuels with excellent accuracy. Model predictions for U-Pu-Zr fuels were physically reasonable but less accurate. Reduction of uncertainties in the ternary phase transition temperatures and collection of kinetic data for the ζ phase are expected to improve the model’s ternary predictions. Finally, the new model was coupled to existing thermomechanics models in BISON to simulate irradiation of an entire U-Zr fuel element, demonstrating its ability to accurately predict the behavior of U-Zr fuels with realistic geometries and mesh resolutions at the engineering scale.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

ATF material model development and validation for priority fuel concepts

Development, implementation, and validation of material and behavior models for accident tolerant fuel (ATF) concepts in the Bison fuel performance code began in 2014 in response to the events that occurred at the Fukushima Daichii nuclear power plant in March 2011. Early on the focus was on U 3 Si 2 fuel and FeCrAl cladding as part of a high impact problem through the Nuclear Energy and Advanced Modeling Simulation (NEAMS) program. Then, developments for Cr 2 O 3 -doped UO 2 fuel, and SiC-SiC and Cr-coated zirconium-based claddings began based upon industry interests. In late fiscal year 2018 the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) took over further ATF work in Bison in support of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) engagement. Discussions with the NRC identified their list of priority fuel and cladding concepts, which included Cr 2 O 3 -doped UO 2 and U 3 Si 2 fuels, and Cr-coated zirconium-based and FeCrAl claddings. In particular, the NRC suggested that reports similar in form to NUREG/CR-7024 [1] that was developed for traditional LWR materials UO 2 and zirconium-based claddings (i.e., Zircaloy-4, M5®, ZIRLO) be created for the priority ATF concepts. The approach to ATF capability development in Bison since the beginning has been two-fold: (1) empirical correlations and (2) multiscale model development. Both approaches have uncertainty inherent to them. Uncertainty in empirical correlations is bounded by the experimental data upon which with the correlation was developed. Models developed through a multiscale approach have uncertainty associated with the lower length scale calculations and input parameters that must be propagated to the engineering scale model in Bison. In this report, the recommended models, their range of applicability (e.g., temperature, burnup), and associated uncertainty for the NRC priority fuel concepts Cr 2 O 3 -doped UO 2 and U 3 Si 2 are presented in a manner similar to the aforementioned NUREG. In addition, the Cr 2 O 3 -doped UO 2 models are validated to the Halden Reactor tess IFA-677.1 rods 1 and 5 and IFA-716.1 rod 1. For U 3 Si 2 the models are validated to the recent post-irradiation examination (PIE) data ATF-13 and ATF-15 rods that were irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory. Finally, an uncertainty quantification (UQ) and sensitivity analysis (SA) is completed on a single rod for each fuel concept that takes into account the defined uncertainty in select models. The results of the UQ and SA analyses indicate that given the large uncertainty in some of the input ATF models that the uncertainty on the Bison predictions of fuel performance metrics of interest bound the available experimental data. Correlation coefficients are also reported that identified the uncertain inputs with the strongest correlation (positive or negative) with the outputs of interest. Fuel performance metrics investigated include fuel elongation, rod internal pressure, fuel centerline temperature, and fission gas release.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗