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During nuclear fuel operation in reactor core, as a result of its burning, the fuel changes its physical and chemical properties and changes its dimensions. These changes are caused by external and internal forces. During operation, there are considerable temperature gradients in the fuel, from almost 1500°C in the center of the fuel tablets to 290°C on the surface of the fuel assembly, which gives rise to stresses that can endanger the integrity of fuel cladding - the primary barrier to leakage of radioactive substances. The objective of thermomechanical calculations is to ensure that the proposed fuel charges are safe from this point of view. ÚJV Řež uses either licensed codes (TRANSURANUS) or proprietary models developed in the FEM ABAQUS tool. The analysis and application of experimental data obtained in international projects using research reactors and hot cells to study new types of nuclear fuel are an integral part of these activities.
