Improvements, Verifications and Validations of the BOW Code

Abstract

The BOW code calculates the lateral deflections of a fuel element consisting of sheath and pellets, due to temperature gradients, hydraulic drag and gravity. The fuel element is subjected to restraint from endplates, neighboring fuel elements and the pressure tube. Many new features have been added to the BOW code since its original release in 1985. This paper outlines the major improvements made to the code and verification/validation results.