The cross section of a long cylindrical fuel element in a nuclear reactor is shown. Energy generation occurs uniformly in the thorium fuel rod, which is of diameter D = 25 mm and is wrapped in a thin aluminum cladding.
(a) It is proposed that, under steady-state conditions, the system operates with a generation rate of q = 7 X 108 W/m3 and cooling system characteristics of T8 = 95°C and h = 7000 W/m2 · K. Is this proposal satisfactory?
(b) Explore the effect of variations in q and h by plotting temperature distributions, T(r), for a range of parameter values. Suggest an envelope of acceptable operating conditions.