Integrity evaluation of fuel assembly for earthquake Original Research Article

In the present study, a method for the dynamic analysis of a reactor core is developed. Peak responses for the motions induced from earthquake are obtained for a core model. The dynamic responses such as fuel assembly shear force, bending moment, axial force and displacement, and spacer grid impact loads are investigated. Prediction of fuel assembly stress during an earthquake requires development of a fuel assembly stress analysis model capable of interfacing with the models and results discussed in the dynamic analysis of a reactor core. This analysis uses beam characteristics which describe the overall fuel assembly response. The stress analysis method and its application for the case of an increased seismic level are also presented.