A plasma-based pressure pulse generator for simulating pellet-cladding mechanical interaction during...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Engineering
• Materials Science
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Reactivity-initiated accidents (RIAs) pose risks to nuclear fuel integrity.
• Understanding pellet-cladding mechanical interaction (PCMI) is crucial for reactor safety.
• Existing simulation methods for PCMI may not fully replicate RIA conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a plasma-based pressure pulse generator.
• To evaluate its potential as a simulator for PCMI during RIAs.
• To investigate nuclear fuel cladding failure under RIA-relevant conditions.

Main Methods:

• A plasma-based transient pressure pulse generator was developed.
• The generator utilizes a pulse discharge circuit with a capacitor bank and solid-state switch.
• Pressure pulses were generated by rapid plasma heating and expansion within cladding tubes.
• Electrical parameters controlled pulse characteristics; piezoelectric sensors measured internal pressure.

Main Results:

• The plasma-based generator successfully produced transient pressure pulses.
• Pulse parameters like peak pressure and rise-rate were controllable.
• Preliminary tests with stainless steel and ZIRLO™ cladding tubes were performed.
• The device demonstrated potential for simulating RIA-induced cladding failure.

Conclusions:

• The plasma-based pressure pulse generator is a viable tool for PCMI research.
• Its controllable high pressurization rate offers advantages for RIA simulation.
• This technology can advance the study of nuclear fuel cladding behavior under accident conditions.