Fuel Behavior Simulation Code FEMAXI-FBR Development for SFR Core Disruptive Accident Analysis

Japan Nuclear Energy Safety Organization (JNES) has been developing ASTERIA-FBR code system for SFR core disruptive accident analysis to contribute as a part of the regulation activity for Japanese prototype FBR, MONJU. The ASTERIA-FBR code system consists of detailed fuel behavior analysis module (FEMAXI-FBR), neutronic Monte-Carlo calculation module (GMVP), and thermal hydraulic module (CONCORD). The calculation scope of the ASTERIA-FBR covers the initiating, transitional and post disassembly expansion processes. The FEMAXI-FBR is based on LWR fuel behavior simulation code FEMAXI-6 and modified the material properties and the calculation models under steady state and transient operational condition. The FEMAXI-FBR has been verified in steady state calculations compared with those of SAS-4A code. Furthermore, the code has been validated by French CABRI slow-TOP (E12) and fast-TOP (BI2) transient calculations. Through these verification and validation, good agreement has been obtained with the FP-gas release ratio, the fuel restructuring, the gap width between pellet and cladding, and the fuel pin failure position. (author)