Seismic performance of degraded AGR cores

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This research is exploring the behaviour and contact dynamics of graphite cored nuclear reactors.The research will examine the correlation between experimental data and the analytical data. Thiswill lead to an identification of the useful questions that need to be answered in terms strengtheningthe safety case. The work will also look at how to improve the use of numerical tools to inform safetycase arguments. In particular it will compare existing experimental data with GCORE, SOLFEC,3DEC and other potential modelling approaches. This research will also aim to identify ways topredict the types of crack patterns that will lead to poorer dynamic performance of the array.Identifying these patterns could allow targeted core inspections focused on looking for the specifictypes of cracking that would be more critical to the overall core performance.Key outputs from the research:Further validation and verification of the numerical methodology, enhanced ways of interpreting thedata, deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanics of the aging core, identification of criticalcrack patterns.Timeline:Year 1: Study of data from tests to date and development of tools to aid comparison betweenexperimental and analytical results. Key deliverable - End of year report focussing on dataprocessing tools and initial findings from the research.Year 2: Identification of features that make particular crack cluster patterns more susceptible todamage in seismic events. Key deliverable - Report identifying types of patterns that could lead topoorer core performance.Year 3: Study of alternative core modelling techniques that could be used to better predict arraybehaviour under seismic loading. Key deliverable - Report identifying the limitations of the currentanalysis techniques and some ways that the analytical modelling can be improved.