Optimization of the number of spacers in a nuclear fuel bundle with respect to flow-induced vibration

The design of nuclear fuel, which is mostly subjected to loads due to high temperature, pressure and flow under radiation environment, is of immense importance in nuclear engineering. Generally, the nuclear fuel consists of number of fuel pins, which carry the fuel pellets inside. A number of such pins are grouped together to a specific size to form a bundle. Flow-induced vibration in the bundle due to high velocity coolant flow cause interaction between the fuel pins. Commonly, spacers are provided between the fuel pins to maintain the gap between the neighboring pins. Large number of such spacers in the reactor core is considered to be a load on thermal-hydraulics and on physics of reactor control. This paper addresses the work done with an objective to help optimization of the number of spacers required on a typical fuel bundle by experimental and analytical study.