LOCA advanced failure criteria: Implementation in the mechanistic fuel performance code and practical applications

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design Vol. 399; p. 112039
• Main Authors: Veshchunov, M.S., Boldyrev, A.V., Shestak, V.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier BV 01-12-2022
• Subjects: Claddings; Criteria; Failure; High temperature; Nuclear fuel elements; Oxidation; Simulators; Thermal shock; Zirconium base alloys
• ISSN: 0029-5493; 1872-759X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2022.112039

The advanced Chung-Kassner criteria for the capability of fuel rods to withstand thermal shock during LOCA reflooding and to withstand post-quench fuel handling, as well as the complementary cladding embrittlement criteria of KAERI and KIT, are compared to the traditional LOCA safety criterion of 17% ECR oxidation. The advanced failure criteria were implemented in the mechanistic thermomechanical code SVECHA/QUENCH (S/Q) and successfully applied to predict fuel rod failure behaviour in postulated LOCA scenarios and high temperature (1400 °C) pre-oxidation and quenching tests performed with fresh and irradiated fuel rod simulators. The extension of the advanced failure criteria to coated Zr alloy claddings is discussed.