Assessment of the TMI-2 axial power-shaping-rod dynamic test results

Abstract

The Three Mile Island-Unit 2 (TMI-2) nuclear power reactor contains 61 control rod assemblies and 8 axial power shaping rod assemblies (APSRs). All control rod and APSR drive leadscrews must be uncoupled and removed prior to vessel head removal. Leadscrew removal is facilitated by having the rod assemblies inserted to a down hard-stop position. Following the TMI-2 accident, the eight axial power shaping rods were in a partially withdrawn position (approx. 25% of their full travel). Therefore, a test was performed to attempt to insert the APSRs to the fully inserted, or at least a hard-stop position. In addition, accelerometers were mounted on the drive mechanisms of all the APSRs in an attempt to obtain acoustical signals that would provide some information about the physical condition of the APSRs and of the damaged TMI-2 reactor core. This report describes the TMI-2 APSR Insertion Test performance and results, and presents an evaluation of correlations between APSR insertion information and other available information on the condition of the TMI-2 reactor.