Use of multiscale particle simulations in the design of nuclear plant decommissioning--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Williams, R. A., Jia, X., Ikin, P., & Knight, D. (2011). Use of multiscale particle simulations in the design of nuclear plant decommissioning. Particuology, 9(4), 358–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2010.10.003

Use of multiscale particle simulations in the design of nuclear plant decommissioning

Richard A. Williams ^a *, Xiaodong Jia ^a, Peter Ikin ^a, David Knight ^b

a Institute of Particle Science and Engineering, School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
b Structure Vision Ltd., Leeds Innovation Centre, 103 Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9DF, UK

10.1016/j.partic.2010.10.003

Volume 9, Issue 4, August 2011, Pages 358-364

Received 9 August 2010, Accepted 31 October 2010, Available online 20 February 2011.

E-mail: r.a.williams@leeds.ac.uk

Highlights

Abstract

The application of a digital modelling method that can faithfully take account of three-dimensional shape and inherent physical and chemical properties of each particulate component provides an essential tool in decommissioning design. This is useful in handling of high, medium and low level radioactive waste. The processes involve making decisions on where to cut existing plant components and then how to pack these components into boxes, which are then cemented and kept for long term storage as the level of radioactive declines with time. We illustrate the utility of the method and its ability to take data at plant scale (m-scale) and then deduce behaviours at sub millimetre scale in the packed containers. A variety of modelling approaches are used as a part of this approach including cutting algorithms, geometric and dynamic (distinct element) force models, and lattice Boltzmann methods. These methods are applicable to other complex particulate systems including simulation of waste, building recycling, heap leaching and related minerals processes. The paper introduces the basic concepts of this multi-scale and multi-model approach.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Cementation; Digital packing; Digipac; Discrete element modelling; Nuclear waste; NuPlant; Particle shape

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