Validation of ASTECV2.1 based on the QUENCH-08 experiment

Results show that ASTECV2.1 is able to reproduce the experimental temperatures and oxide thicknesses at representative bundle locations. The predicted total hydrogen generation (76 g) is similar to the experimental one (84 g). In addition, the choices of an axial mesh size lower than 55 mm and of an external electrical resistance of a 7 mΩ/rod have been justified with parametric analyses. Finally, new modelling options are introduced to overcome some discrepancies present in the reference case and to cancel the effect of the external electrical resistance in the QUENCH model. Results show that the predicted hydrogen generation during quenching (38 g) is closer to the experimental one (37 g) than the reference case, giving a better reproduction of the radial temperature gradient within the hottest zone.