Cellular automata study of high burn-up structures (Q1433809)

This paper deals with a new approach based on cellular automata, for processing and modeling the structure dynamics of \(\text{UO}_2\) at different cross-section averaged burn-ups. The authors show that this approach equips them with the universal instrument applicable both to micrograph processing and simulation of the fuel structure dynamic itself. The fruitfulness of this approach for theoretical model elaboration is demonstrated here by formulation of the bubble volume thermodynamics, investigation of bubble volume fluctuations, obtaining the direct evidences for gas compressibility and bubble surface tension.