Spent nuclear fuel system dynamic stability under normal conditions of transportation

To further evaluate the intensity of contact interaction induced by the local contacts' impact loading at the spacer grid, detailed models of the actual spring and dimples of the spacer grids were created. The impacts between the fuel rod and springs and dimples were simulated with a 20 g transient shock load. The associated contact interaction intensities, in terms of reaction forces, were estimated from the finite element analyses (FEA) results. The bending moment estimated from the resultant stress on the clad under 20 g transient shock can be used to define the loading in cyclic integrated reversible-bending fatigue tester (CIRFT) vibration testing for the equivalent condition. To estimate the damage potential of the transient shock to the SNF vibration lifetime, drop tests were performed on the CIRFT specimens. FEA was used to investigate the contact reaction at CIRFT test samples during impact loading induced by drop tests, and the result was compared with that from a 20 g acceleration transient shock load.