Mathematical model of the oxidation of a uranium carbide fuel pellet including an adherent product layer

Uranium carbide is a candidate fuel for Generation IV nuclear reactors. However, like any candidate fuel, a reprocessing route should be established before implementation. One proposed method involves a pre-oxidation step, where the carbide fuel is oxidized to an oxide and then reprocessed as normal. A mathematical model has been developed to simulate such an oxidation using finite difference approximations of the heat and mass transfer processes occurring. Available literature was consulted to provide coefficients for the reaction rates and importantly the diffusion of oxygen through the adherent oxide layer that forms on the carbide: the rate limiting step. The transient temperature, oxygen and carbon monoxide distributions through the system are modeled in order to predict oxidation completion times and the temperatures reached. It was found that for a spherical pellet of radius 0.935 cm, the oxidation can take from 1 to 19 h depending on the oxidation conditions and reach temperatures of up to 1556 °C. A robust model results that offers increased understanding of a process crucial to the sustainable use of carbide fuels in energy generation.