Project Details
The Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) Challenge Problems, from CRUD to Pellet-Clad Interaction, require validated, high-resolution predictions of nuclear reactor operation and fuel performance throughout the life of a nuclear power plant. The Virtual Environment for Reactor Analysis (VERA) is an ORNL-led collaboration with the University of Michigan, North Carolina State University, Core Physics LLC, and the Idaho and Sandia National Laboratories, with contributions from many other partners in academia, industry, and the national laboratory system.
Integrating MPACT and CTF provides fully-coupled estimates of the state of every pin and coolant channel in a PWR core without traditional homogenizing of materials. Coupling with CRUD chemistry (MAMBA) and fuel performance (BISON) codes enable advanced solutions to industry problems.
The prediction of CRUD-Induced Power Shift (CIPS), pellet-clad mechanical interaction (PCMI), and their effects on operational limits may enable utilities to safety operate at higher power, for longer periods of time, with lower enrichment costs, for great returns.
