A Model to Calculate Oxidation of UO2 in Steam Environments for Implementation in the Fuel and Channel Thermal/Mechanical Behavior Code FACTAR

Abstract

A computer model has been developed for calculating oxidation of UO₂ at high temperatures in steam oxidising conditions. Several methods to calculate the partial pressure of oxygen in the fuel and in the environment surrounding the fuel are available. The various methodologies have been compared and the best models have been compiled into a computer model which will be implemented into fuel thermal/mechanical behaviour codes such as FACTAR 2.0 (LOECI) and ELESIM/ELOCA. Calculations from the computer model have been compared to experimental results. The calculated oxidation reaction kinetics are in good agreement with the experimental data.