FEMAXI-6 code verifications for predicting FLWR MOX fuel rod behaviors

Yamaji, Akifumi; Suzuki, Motoe; Okubo, Tsutomu

This study has evaluated uncertainties in FEMAXI-6 calculations and clarified key models and parameters for predicting LWR MOX fuel rod behavior. Irradiation data obtained from the Halden reactor experiments (IFA-597.4 rod-10, rod-11, and IFA-514 rod-1) were used. The maximum discharge burnup was about 40 GWd/tMOX (IFA-514 rod-1). The results showed that uncertainties in fission gas release calculations were particularly high, and contributions of pellet relocation, densification and swelling models on pellet temperature were also evaluated. The basic fission gas release mechanism of MOX fuels should be the same as that of UO fuels, but the parameters in the model need to be revised for MOX fuels. More experimental data are needed. However, frequent reactor shutdowns and restarts may cause pellet relocation changes which need to be considered in the evaluations.