Experimental investigations on a fuel element transportation vessel for analysis of mechanical loads

During approval of fuel element transportation vessels extensive proofs have to be made to qualify the theoretical calculations. In order to get maximum information about the behaviour of the components of the vessels and the real boundary conditions holographic measuring techniques are used. The application of holography on the experimental analysis of a fuel element transportation vessel is shown on a THTR-CASTOR-container. As an example, the deformation of a lifting lug is analysed and the flexible bending of the vessel cap is measured. The experimental results are compared with analytical calculation results.