Comsol
Case Studies
Researching a New Fuel for the HFIR: Advancements at ORNL Require Multiphysics Simulation to Support Safety and Reliability
Overview
Researching a New Fuel for the HFIR: Advancements at ORNL Require Multiphysics Simulation to Support Safety and ReliabilityComsol |
Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization | |
National Security & Defense Healthcare & Hospitals | |
Product Research & Development Quality Assurance | |
Predictive Maintenance Process Control & Optimization Remote Asset Management | |
Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration Testing & Certification | |
Operational Impact
The use of COMSOL Multiphysics has enabled ORNL researchers to accurately predict the fluid-structure interactions and deflections of the HFIR fuel plates. | |
The fully-coupled FSI approach has improved the stability and accuracy of the simulations, ensuring reliable results. | |
The validation studies have confirmed the accuracy of the COMSOL code, providing confidence in the safety and performance of the new LEU fuel design. | |
Quantitative Benefit
The HFIR will need to operate at 100 MW instead of 85 MW to maintain the same neutron flux. | |
The uranium-235 enrichment will be reduced from 93% to 19.75%. | |