| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Microstructural, Mechanical, and Chemical Behavior of Solid Nuclear Fuel and Fuel-Cladding Interface II
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| Presentation Title |
Investigating Microstructural Effects on TRISO Fuel Mechanics via Multiphysics and Multiscale Modeling |
| Author(s) |
Merve Gencturk, Karim Ahmed, Nicholas Faulkner, Claire Griesbach, Ramathasan Thevamaran, Tyler Gerczak, Yongfeng Zhang |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Merve Gencturk |
| Abstract Scope |
TRISO fuel is a leading candidate for next-generation nuclear reactors, consisting of a fuel kernel surrounded by various ceramic layers. The porous pyrocarbon layer (buffer) within TRISO serves dual purposes: it contains escaping fission products and provides space for the swelling fuel kernel and fission gases. However, under irradiation, the buffer results in volume changes, potentially leading to cracking. Due to its porosity, stress concentrations around pores are higher compared to the bulk material. Understanding how irradiation-induced volume changes affect TRISO is crucial for maintaining the protective layer. To investigate the mechanical properties of TRISO, we utilize a Multiphysics and multiscale framework combining phase-field and finite-element methods. This approach allows us to study how microstructural features (pore shape, size, and distribution), influence the elastic and fracture properties of the buffer layer. Experimental observations also included the spatial distribution of pores with randomly varying radii to simulate the formation of microstructure. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Modeling and Simulation, Nuclear Materials, |