A 3D Behavior Modeling for Design and Performance Analysis of LWR fuels

The coupling of the BaCo code and the MeCom tools is used in order to simulate, analyze and model the fuel rod behavior using a 3D approach. In this paper we present the first steps for the calculation of the 3D stress-strain state of UO{sub 2} pellets for LWR fuels taking into account its influence on the cladding. We found a very good agreement between our simulations and the experimental data provided by our participation in the CRP FUMEX II of the IAEA and the Halden Reactor Project. (authors)