Structural seismic characteristics assessment of LMFR fuel assembly hexagonal wrapper over operational temperature range

In this study, the structural integrity of liquid metal fast reactor fuel assembly has been established for different parameters considering the optimum fuel design. Analytical calculation of added mass effect due to lead bismuth eutectic and verification through previously presented theories, has been established. The integrity of the hexagonal wrapper of fuel assembly has been guaranteed over the entire operating temperature range. Effect of temperature on the density of lead bismuth eutectic, the subsequent change in added mass of lead bismuth eutectic, the effect on natural frequencies and effect on stresses on wrapper, has been studied in detail. A simple empirical relationship is presented for estimation of added mass effect for lead bismuth eutectic type fast reactors for any desired temperature. An approach for assessment of fast reactor fuel assembly performance has been outlined and calculated results are presented. Nuclear seismic rules require that systems and components which are important to safety, shall be capable of bearing earthquake effects and their integrity and functionality should be guaranteed. Mode shapes, natural frequencies, stresses on wrapper and seismic aspect has also been considered using ANSYS. Modal analysis has been compared in vacuum and lead bismuth eutectic using the calculated added mass.