Modelling the thermal performance of Accident Tolerant Fuels based on UN

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A collaborative project between one of the world's largest fuel manufacturers - Westinghouse Electric Company - and Bangor University - will set out to provide a mechanistic understanding of thermal conductivity and thermal conductivity degradation in fuel concepts based on uranium nitride. Uranium nitride is a leading Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) candidate system due to its superior uranium density and thermal conductivity compared to UO2. Despite these advantageous properties, UN has a strong reaction with water that requires passivation of some kind. The additives/methods to passivate the UN will also be investigated.Atomic scale modelling methods developed here in Bangor University and around the world will be used to assess the thermal conductivity in three key areas:1. Model the thermal conductivity (TC) of UN to provide a baseline value - working with other groups around the world including Los Alamos National Laboratory, KTH and Imperial College London.2. Develop a model giving the effective thermal conductivity of composite UN fuel.3. Develop a thermal conductivity degradation (TCD) model for system.A range of techniques will be targeted including atomic scale modelling methods based on density functional theory (DFT) and classical potentials, as well as continuum modelling methods. Experimental assessment may be carried out too using Bangor University's MERLIN laboratories, able to handle and investigate uranium compounds.The student will be expected to not only complete the courses as part of the CDT but also interact regularly with the industry sponsor. As part of the US-DOE Accident Tolerant Fuels program, this project will have an international visibility and impact.