Statistical methods applied to fuel rod bow analysis

Journal Article · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · J. Pressure Vessel Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3264847· OSTI ID:6522359

Heller, A S; Farnsworth, D A; Mc Guinn, E J

An extensive data base was used to arrive at an empirical ''best estimate'' model for predicting fuel rod bow as a function of burnup. The best estimate rod bow predictions were bounded (accounting for uncertainties) at an upper 95 percent value. This global bound or tolerance value was subsequently revised to be representative of the bow value at reactor operating conditions. Conservative predictions for bow were finally implemented at several high burnups in a statistically derived Departure from Nucleate Boil Ratio (DNBR) penalty function. It was found that penalties for DNBR due to bowing are insignificant even at higher burnups and, therefore, do not seriously impact the design thermal margin.

• Research Organization: Systems Integration and Management Corp., Roanoke, VA 24014
• OSTI ID: 6522359
• Journal Information: J. Pressure Vessel Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pressure Vessel Technol.; (United States) Vol. 109:1; ISSN JPVTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220200* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Components & Accessories
BOILING
BURNUP
DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
DATA COVARIANCES
DEFORMATION
DEPARTURE NUCLEATE BOILING
DESIGN
FUEL ELEMENTS
FUEL RODS
MANAGEMENT
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MATHEMATICS
NUCLEATE BOILING
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
POWER REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
STATISTICS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS