Multiscale modelling for the fission gas behaviour in the TRANSURANUS Code

Abstract

A formulation is proposed for modelling the process of intra-granular diffusion of fission gas during irradiation of UO2 under both normal operating conditions and power transients. The concept represents a simple extension of the formulation of Speight, including an estimation of the contribution of bubble motion to fission gas diffusion. The resulting equation is formally identical to the diffusion equation adopted in most models that are based on the formulation of Speight, therefore retaining the advantages in terms of simplicity of the mathematical-numerical treatment and allowing application in integral fuel performance codes. The development of the new model proposed here relies on results obtained by means of molecular dynamics simulations as well as finite element computations. The formulation is proposed for incorporation in the TRANSURANUS fuel performance code.