PWR Core & Fuel Assembly Scale Models

Intended for outreach and educational purposes, these models show the structure of a typical PWR-type nuclear reactor core and zirconium-based fuel assemblies. The designs are based on publicly available information, and draw inspiration from several real-world examples. The reactor core model can be taken apart to reveal a grid of fuel channels, and demonstrate the offline-refuelling process.

The design is given in several file formats to suit a variety of requirements, and includes:

RPV Model

• 1/100-scale reactor pressure vessel model
• 1/100-scale fuel assembly
• Display stand
• Human figurine for scale

Fuel Assembly Model

• 1/10-scale PWR fuel assembly
• Display stand

These have been test-printed on a Bambu Labs A1 Mini 3d printer, using PLA through a stainless steel 0.4mm nozzle. The extrusion setting is '0.08mm Extra Fine' as per the specifications in Bambu Studio, and the recommended infill is 5-10% (gyroid). A wall thickness of 3 loops is recommended, as well as organic tree supports for the rounded components of the RPV model. Supports are also recommended for the fuel assembly model.

Estimated print time: 2-3 days
Filament cost: 515g