Static test of the gas-cooled fast breeder reactor core support grid plate: comparison of experimental, analytical, and finite-element models

Technical Report · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5226745· OSTI ID:5226745

Chuang, A. S.; Chang, K. H.; Washington, C. E.

The primary function of the gas-cooled fast breeder reactor (GCFR) grid plate is to hold core assemblies firmly in position so that the reactivity insertion associated with the plate deflection is limited to a value which satisfies plant safety requirements. Consequently, grid plate deflection under pressure is of particular importance rather than stress, as in the case of most perforated plates. Analyses were carried out using the concept of an equivalent solid material, and the equivalent solid plate was treated as a transversely isotropic elastic body. The general solutions for the axial and radial displacements were derived for a simply supported plate subject to a uniform load. The solid rim effect was also included. Experimental and finite-element models were used to confirm the theoretical results, and it was found that the three solutions are in good agreement, and the maximum axial displacement discrepancy between them is about 6%. The close agreement of the three models not only proves that the analytical derivation and finite-element model are correct, but also indicates that the equivalent Young's modulus E* and equivalent Poisson's ratio V* are accurate.

• Research Organization: General Atomic Co., San Diego, CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-03-0167-023
• OSTI ID: 5226745
• Report Number(s): GA-A-14121
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
210500* -- Power Reactors
Breeding
BREEDER REACTORS
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FUEL ASSEMBLIES
GAS COOLED REACTORS
GCFR REACTOR
GCFR TYPE REACTORS
HELIUM COOLED REACTORS
MATERIALS TESTING
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MECHANICAL TESTS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
PLATES
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR CORES
REACTORS
STRESS ANALYSIS
SUPPORTS
TESTING