Finite Element Stress Analysis for Coated Particle Fuel Modeling Under Normal Operating Conditions

Finite element modeling of the stresses in TRISO-coated fuel particles under normal operating conditions is undertaken with the ABAQUS code. Accurate results for the coating layer stresses are obtained with 30 finite elements in the model and ∼100 time steps through the life of the fuel. When compared to an earlier General Atomics/Forschungszentrum Jülich (GA/KFA) computer model of fuel performance, several discrepancies are uncovered in the earlier model. The GA/KFA model underpredicts the stresses in the silicon carbide layer, and the discrepancy increases with fission gas pressure.