Shepherd, JS, Fairweather, M, Hanson, BC orcid.org/0000-0002-1720-1656 et al. (1 more author) (2017) Mathematical Model of the Oxidation of a Uranium Carbide Fuel Pellet Including an Adherent Product Layer. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 45. pp. 784-801. ISSN 0307-904X
Abstract
Uranium carbide is a candidate fuel for Generation IV nuclear reactors. However, like any candidate fuel, a reprocessing route should be established before implementation. One proposed method involves a pre-oxidation step, where the carbide fuel is oxidised to an oxide and then reprocessed as normal. A mathematical model has been developed to simulate such an oxidation using finite difference approximations of the heat and mass transfer processes occurring. Available literature was consulted to provide coefficients for the reaction rates and importantly the diffusion of oxygen through the adherent oxide layer that forms on the carbide: the rate limiting step. The transient temperature, oxygen and carbon monoxide distributions through the system are modelled in order to predict oxidation completion times and the temperatures reached. It was found that for a spherical pellet of radius 0.935cm, the oxidation can take between 1 h to 19 h depending on the oxidation conditions and reach temperatures of up to 1556°C. A robust model results that offers increased understanding of a process crucial to the sustainable use of carbide fuels in energy generation.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2017 Elsevier Inc. This is an author produced version of a paper published in Applied Mathematical Modelling. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Uranium carbide; Diffusion; Oxidation; Finite difference methods; Moving boundary problem |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences (Leeds) > School of Chemical & Process Engineering (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 19 Jan 2017 11:10 |
Last Modified: | 19 Jan 2018 01:38 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2017.01.041 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.apm.2017.01.041 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:110903 |