Model Development for Thermal-Hydrology Simulations of a Full-Scale Heater Experiment in Opalinus Clay

Disposal of commercial spent nuclear fuel in a geologic repository is studied. In situ heater experiments in underground research laboratories provide a realistic representation of subsurface behavior under disposal conditions. This study describes process model development and modeling analysis for a full-scale heater experiment in opalinus clay host rock. The results of thermal-hydrology simulation, solving coupled nonisothermal multiphase flow, and comparison with experimental data are presented. The modeling results closely match the experimental data.