Abstract
In an effort to evaluate the mechanical stability of fuel assembly (FA), this paper focuses on the FA bowing in the loss of coolant (LOCA) accident. To reach this aim, by calculating the axial compression force due to the longitudinal expansion of the rod and comparing it with the critical axial compression force, the mechanical stability of FA can be evaluated in LOCA accident. The core thermal–hydraulic parameters during LOCA accident are calculated by the RELAP code and FA bowing is simulated by ABAQUS software. The thermal–hydraulic parameters calculated by the RELAP code during the LOCA accident have been provided to ABAQUS software as boundary conditions. Increasing the compression force of the spring due to the longitudinal expansion of the FA guide tube along with the initial bowing can lead to more bowing of FA and loss of FA stability. By comparing the maximum allowable limit of axial compression force and the axial compression force calculated for VVER-1000 reactor in the LOCA accident, it is concluded that the fuel assembly of VVER-1000 reactor has sufficient stability in LB-LOCA accident.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.