Reversible Bending Fatigue Testing System Design Concepts for Spent Fuel Vibration Integrity Study

Abstract

The dynamic analyses of a reversible bending fatigue testing system designed for the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) vibration integrity study was presented in this paper. Different design concepts were evaluated to assist the U-frame tester development. A finite element analysis (FEA) based on the vertical test setup was established to simulate the U-frame test system dynamic performances. The FEA results provided general guideline on predicting the dynamic behaviors of U-frame bending fatigue system for testing SNF. The initial vertical test setup design concepts were investigated in detail and the associated deficiencies were also discussed in the paper. The horizontal test setup was also evaluated using FEA. Based on dynamic analysis results, the horizontal test setup with symmetric loading profile was recommended for developing a reversible U-frame bending fatigue testing system.