Extending TRANSURANUS burnup model for AGR-like FHR fuel design

This study summarises the work performed to introduce a novel methodology to derive the radial form factor in the TRANSURANUS burnup model (TUBRNP) using data from simulations. Previous work used experimental data from post-irradiation examinations to obtain the radial form factor in TUBRNP for a conventional LWR. It was updated to include coefficients suitable for a HWR. The aim of this work is the creation of a reactor-dependent methodology using data from a Monte Carlo code when experimental data are missing, but that is still in line with the previous work. This new TUBRNP model, together with recently implemented correlations for Hastelloy-N to be used as cladding and FliBe as coolant, provide an updated TRANSURANUS fuel rod performance code that can be used in ongoing investigations for AGR-like molten salt cooled reactors. The proposed methodology can also be applied to advanced technology fuels in various SMRs.

Automated summary

This study presents a new methodology to derive the radial form factor in the TRANSURANUS burnup model using simulations. The proposed methodology can be applied to different types of reactors, including LWRs and HWRs, and is suitable for advanced technology fuels.