Performance Evaluation of a High Thermal Conductivity Fuel With Graphene Additives During the LBLOCA

The fuel rod performance of enhanced thermal conductivity UO₂/graphene composites is investigated through a LBLOCA analysis. The benefits increased monotonically with increasing thermal conductivity in terms of reduced fuel center temperature and PCT. The performance of the UO₂/graphene composite fuel is assessed in OPR-1000 (Optimized Power Reactor-1000) during a LBLOCA. Graphene can be a promising material for developing advanced nuclear fuel because of its property about the high thermal conductivity and low absorption cross section. The results confirm a LBLOCA performance related to PCT of the UO₂/graphene composite fuel and its potential while maintaining large safety margins.