TPMS Nuclear Fuel Segments for Consistent Core Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear fuel structures lack the ability to maintain consistent nuclear fuel enrichment across individual segments and the entire reactor core, hindering optimal reactor performance and neutronics.
Innovation Solution
The use of additive manufacturing to create nuclear fuel segments with structures based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), ensuring a constant enrichment of up to 20% within each segment and across the reactor core, utilizing a network of channels defined by these surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional nuclear fuel structures are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but consistent enrichment across segments and core cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The nuclear fuel is divided into multiple segments, each with a complex TPMS internal structure. This segmentation allows the enrichment to be controlled at the segment level while maintaining consistency across the entire core. Each segment acts as an independent unit with precisely controlled fuel distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The TPMS structure enables local variation in fuel density and enrichment within specific regions of each segment. By controlling the thickness and distribution of the fuel-containing walls in the periodic minimal surface, precise local enrichment can be achieved while maintaining overall consistency across the core.
2Manufacturing precision
If additive manufacturing is used to create TPMS structures, then volumetric distribution of fissionable material can be optimized, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TPMS structure introduces a third dimension of control over fuel distribution. Instead of simple planar or cylindrical fuel arrangements, the periodic minimal surface creates a three-dimensional network where fuel density can be optimized in all spatial directions, enabling precise volumetric enrichment control.
Solution Approach 2:
The additive manufacturing process allows continuous variation of material properties and geometric parameters during fabrication. By adjusting printing parameters, support structures, and material deposition rates, the complex TPMS geometry can be manufactured with precise control over wall thickness and fuel distribution.
3Reliability
If complex TPMS structures are implemented, then neutronics and thermal hydraulics are enhanced, but structural integrity and stress mechanics become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The TPMS structure consists of smooth, continuous curved surfaces without sharp corners or stress concentration points. This curvature distributes mechanical stresses more evenly throughout the structure, maintaining structural integrity while achieving the complex geometry needed for optimized neutronics and thermal hydraulics.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel segment structure comprises multiple materials with different properties: a fuel-containing wall material providing structural strength, and a coolant channel material providing thermal management. This composite approach allows optimization of each material for its specific function while working together to satisfy both structural and performance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a nuclear fuel segment includes varying a parameter of a lattice structure of a first mathematically-based periodic solid to form a second mathematically-based periodic solid. The second mathematically-based periodic solid comprises a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS). The varying includes varying periodicity, thickness, or bias of the first mathematically-based periodic solid. The second mathematically-based periodic solid is embodied in a gridded mesh. The gridded mesh is sectioned into a plurality of layers. An additive manufacturing process is used to deposit a fissionable fuel composition in creating a body having a structure with a shape corresponding to the second mathematically-based periodic solid. The plurality of layers are used in controlling the additive manufacturing process.