Core restraint and seismic analysis of a large heterogeneous free-flowering core design. Final report

Abstract

The core restraint and seismic performance of a large heterogeneous core was analyzed. A free-flowering core restraint system was selected for this study, as opposed to the limited-free bow system of the FFTF and CRBRP. The key features of the core restraint system, such as stiff reflector assemblies and load pad properties, were specified in this study. Other features - such as the fuel-assembly description, flux and temperature distributions, and clearances between the assembly nozzle and grid plate - were obtained from the other parts of a large, heterogeneous Core Study 11 and 12. Core restraint analysis was performed with NUBOW-3D over the first two cycles of operation. The SCRAP code was used to analyze the time-history seismic response of the core with the effects of fluid, impact, and bowed assemblies modeled in the code. The core restraint system design was assessed in terms of the predicted forces, impacts, displacements, and reactivity effects for different cycle times and power/flow ratios.