Development, Verification and Validation of the Fuel Channel Behaviour Computer Code FACTAR

Abstract

FACTAR (Fuel And Channel Temperature And Response) is a computer code developed to simulate the transient thermal and mechanical behavior of 37-eletnenf or 28-element fuel bundles within a single CANDU fuel channel for moderate loss of coolant accident conditions including transition and large break LOCAs with emergency coolant injection assumed available. FACTMs predictions of fuel temperature and sheath failure times are used for subsequent assessment of fission product releases and fuel string expansion. This paper discusses the origin and development history of FACTAR, presents the mathematical models and solution technique, the detailed quality assurance procedures (hat are followed during development, and reports the future development of the code.