Critical Velocity Experimental Assessment in Flat Plate Fuel Element for Nuclear Research Reactor

Delvonei Alves Andrade; Javier Gonzalez Mantecón; Roberto Navarro de Mesquita; Miguel Mattar Neto; Pedro Ernesto Umbehaun; Walmir Maximo Torres

doi:10.15392/bjrs.v10i3.2051

Authors

Delvonei Alves Andrade
Javier MCMaster University, Hamilton, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2121-1419
Roberto IPEN-CNEN/SP https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5355-0925
Miguel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2295-1021
Pedro Ernesto Umbehaun https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2887-0759
Walmir Maximo Torres https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7897-4783

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15392/bjrs.v10i3.2051

Keywords:

Critical velocity, plate fuel element, channel blockage, nuclear reactor

Abstract

Aluminum-coated plates, containing a uranium silicide (U₃Si₂) meat dispersed in an aluminum matrix, are commonly used in the fuel elements of Material Testing Reactors (MTRs). These fuel elements are typically comprised of narrow channels formed by parallel flat plates, which allow coolant flow to remove the heat of fission reactions. It is important to mention that the thickness of the plates is much smaller than their width and height. The high flow rates needed to ensure efficient fuel-element cooling may cause fuel-plate mechanical failures due to instability induced by the flow in the channels. In the case of critical velocity, excessive permanent deflections of these plates can cause blockage of the flow channels and lead to overheating. An experimental facility that simulates a plate-like fuel element with three coolant channels was developed for this work. The test-section dimensions were based on the Fuel Element design of the Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor (RMB), project being coordinated by the National Commission of Nuclear Energy (CNEN). Experiments were performed to reach Miller's critical velocity condition. This critical condition was reached at 14.5 m/s leading to consequent plastic deformation of the fuel plates

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