Abstract
The deformation of a two-layer SiC clad in the context of pressurized water reactor fuel assembly has been analyzed in the present work. Firstly, azimuthal temperature difference that can lead to clad bowing has been estimated using a plane strain model in BISON. Then a 3D finite element analysis model has been set up in ABAQUS to investigate a full-length clad bowing as well as its mechanical interaction with multiple spacer grids (SGs). The analysis assumes metal (Zircaloy or Inconel 718) as the SG spring material to accommodate SiC clad deformation. The prediction of the mechanical response for the simplified grid-to-rod system due to grid spring pre-load, SiC swelling, clad bowing and grid spring creep has been performed. The results indicate that the considered SGs will play an important role in limiting the fuel rod bowing for SiC/SiC composite clad during normal operation.
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