Events

This project involves developing and using multi-physics models that will focus primarily on neutronics and heat transfer of the Pebble-Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR). The first model is a homogenized diffusion core that represents the accepted industry standard. The second model uses a Pebble Tracking Transport (PTT) algorithm to form the core. These two models will be compared neutronically to determine differences and the relative worth of using PTT. The third model will be a heat conduction model to determine the maximum fuel temperatures in the PBMR as a result of our accident scenarios. The two accident scenarios are an earthquake and a Depressurized Loss of Forced Coolant (DLOFC). The overall goal of the project is to model the accident scenarios using the homogenous and PTT core and then analyze the results and determine whether the difference is worth the additional computational expense and uncertainty in the unproven but physically realistic PTT approach.