Abstract
A methodology for fuel rod load follow performance evaluation is presented in this paper. The strain energy density accumulation during one cycle of load follow operation is applied in the cladding fatigue fracture analysis. To combine the energy density increment with critical value for cladding fracture, the cycle number of load follow operation that will cause cladding fracture could be determined. Three typical load follow strategies for PWR standard 17 x 17 fuel rod are analyzed. For fuel with burnup 20 GWD/MTU, power reduction from 30 kW/m to 70% will not induce energy density increment whatever the load follow strategy is. The 50% power load follow operation definitely causes energy density accumulation and is of fatigue fracture concerns. The energy density increment at 30% power is close to that of 50% operation. To combine the critical energy density for cladding fatigue fracture and inspection data of failure rods caused by load follow operation, the methodology will become perfect and of practical use.
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