Heat transfer analysis of plate type fuel element of reactor core

Bandung TRIGA Plate reactor core was designed to have 5 x 5 size by using 16 fuel elements, 4 control elements and 5 irradiation facilities. The irradiation facility is located at A1, A5, C3, E1, and E5. This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of the center irradiation position at C3 position to the fuel element temperature distribution at the reactor core. Simulation study was conducted using Fluent computer program. The irradiation facility greatly influences coolant flow rate and the distribution of coolant flow into the reactor core, which greatly affects to the reactor core temperature. The results of the study showed a significant increase in surface temperature of the fuel element when center irradiation position at C3 position was discharged. Therefore, it is recommended if at C3 position there is no material to be irradiated, then the position shall be filled using a solid material. The purpose of this closure is to reduce the cooling flow rate passing through the void at C3 position. However, neutronic design analysis should also consider the type of a material that will be used to fill the void, so that it does not affect to the neutron flux in the reactor core.Bandung TRIGA Plate reactor core was designed to have 5 x 5 size by using 16 fuel elements, 4 control elements and 5 irradiation facilities. The irradiation facility is located at A1, A5, C3, E1, and E5. This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of the center irradiation position at C3 position to the fuel element temperature distribution at the reactor core. Simulation study was conducted using Fluent computer program. The irradiation facility greatly influences coolant flow rate and the distribution of coolant flow into the reactor core, which greatly affects to the reactor core temperature. The results of the study showed a significant increase in surface temperature of the fuel element when center irradiation position at C3 position was discharged. Therefore, it is recommended if at C3 position there is no material to be irradiated, then the position shall be filled using a solid material. The purpose of this closure is to reduce the cooling flow rate passing through the void at C3 pos...