Dynamic response of a fuel assembly for a KSNP design earthquake

Abstract

Using data from the design earthquake of the Korean standard nuclear power plant, seismic analyses of a fuel assembly are conducted in this study. The modal characteristics are used to develop an input deck for the seismic analysis. With a time history analysis, the responses of the fuel assembly in the event of an earthquake are obtained. In particular, the displacement, velocity, and acceleration responses at the center location of the fuel assembly are obtained in the time domain, with these outcomes then used for a detailed structural analysis of the fuel rods in the ensuing analyses. The response spectra are also generated to determine the response characteristics in the frequency domain. The structural integrity of the fuel assembly can be ensured through this type of time history analysis considering the input excitations of various earthquakes considered in the design.