Simulation of reactivity initiated accident thermal transients on nuclear fuels with laser remote heating

Abstract The investigation on the behaviour of nuclear fuels under thermal loads representative of RIA (Reactivity Initiated Accident) conditions in nuclear reactors is a significant challenge. In this work we introduce a new concept of a laboratory experiment relying on high power lasers to reproduce the temperature gradients experienced by nuclear fuel pellets during such events. The concept is experimentally demonstrated on UO2 samples, supported with numerical simulations to estimate the temperature gradients within the samples. This is a first step in the perspective of applying the technique on irradiated fuels.