Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology

For the assessment of the performance and safety of a deep underground radioactive repository system, the thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and chemical behaviors and their coupling should be studied. In order to analyze the THMC coupling behavior more effectively, which requires complex mathematical models and modelling techniques, DECOVALEX international cooperation project was launched in 1992. Since its beginning, four major stages of the project were successfully completed and THMC modelling techniques for various conditions could be developed. In this study, the current status and major achievements from the project was reviewed and possible benefits of the participation to the project was discussed.

Keywords

DECOVALEX,THMC coupling,underground repository,geological disposal,code validation,international project