Dynamic structural response of reactor-core subassemblies (hexcans) due to accident overpressurization
This paper presents a two-dimensional structural analysis for the evaluation of a single core subassembly due to internal overpressure associated with possible failure of fuel pins having high fission gas plenum pressure. Structural models are developed for the subassemblies and their surroundings with emphasis on the critical physical aspects of the problem. With these models the strains, deformations and the extent of permanent damage (plastic strain) to the subassemblies can be assessed. The nonlinear structural analyses was performed with a finite element program called STRAW (Structural Transient Response of Assembly Wrappers). This finite element program is applicable to nonlinear large displacement problems. The results of this study indicate that the permanent deformation (damage) is strongly influenced by the rise time (time to reach peak pressure) of the pressure pulse and the pressure in the fuel pin. The rise time is influenced by the opening time of the flow path for release of gas from the fuel pin plenum. Several examples are illustrated with various rise times and pressure magnitudes and the resulting permanent deformation of the hexcan wall.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 10180808
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/RE/CP-78984; CONF-930803-29; ON: DE93019573; TRN: 93:020049
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 12. biennial conference for the International Association for Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology (SMIRT 12),Stuttgart (Germany),16-26 Aug 1993; Other Information: PBD: [1993]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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