Investigation of nuclear criticality within a powder using coupled neutronics and thermofluids

Jefferson L.M.A. Gomes* (Corresponding Author), Christopher C. Pain, Matthew D. Eaton, Anthony J.H. Goddard, Matthew D. Piggott, A. Kemal Ziver, Cassiano R.E. de Oliveira, Y. Yamane

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper investigates the dynamics of a postulated criticality in a powder used as part of fuel processing. Numerical simulations are performed in 2D and 3D geometries in which layers of MOX, UO2 and zinc stearate (acting as a moderating lubricant) powders become supercritical. The system simulated here were initialised with a step reactivity insertion of 1$, 2$ and 5$. The coupled radiation and multiphase–multicomponent simulations showed complex dynamics with an increase of powder temperature and mixing of the moderator into the MOX.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2073-2092
Number of pages20
JournalAnnals of Nuclear Energy
Volume35
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2008

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