Strength and leak-tightness analysis of SFR in-plant fuel transport containers experiencing an emergency fall

Abstract

Considered is a 3D geometrically and physically non-linear elastic-plastic deformation problem for sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) in-plant fuel transport (IPFT) containers experiencing an emergency fall onto a rigid foundation. To describe structural deformations, an updated Lagrangian formulation is used. The motion equation is derived from the balance of virtual work power. As equations of state, the correlations of the flow theory with kinematic and isotropic hardening are used. The deformation and strength characteristics of structural materials are determined by an analytical-and-experimental method. The contact between the container and the slab is modeled by non-penetration conditions. The problem solution is based upon a moment scheme of the finite-element method and upon an explicit time-integration “cross”-type scheme. 8-node finite elements are developed with the polylinear shape functions that within one scheme enable effective studies on non-linear dynamics of structures incorporating massive bodies and thin shells. Considered are the most dangerous scenarios with the IPFT container colliding with the foundation. The numerical solution results for the problem under consideration made it possible to optimize the container design and to reduce the content of metal in the container structure with satisfying the radiation safety conditions.