Illuminating Complex Material Behavior with Multiphysics Simulation

Andrew Prudil, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Canada

At Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, multiphysics simulation is used to gain insight into the behavior of nuclear fuel inside of a reactor, and it will ultimately be used to improve the efficiency and safety of such systems. By including and coupling mechanical, thermal, fluid, and chemical phenomena, it is possible to shed light on the temperature and pressure distribution in a fuel bundle as well as the development of fission gas bubbles in uranium dioxide fuel pellets.

Simulation, from top left to bottom right, of the formation, movement, and coalescence of gas bubbles on the grain boundaries of nuclear fuel pellets.