Seismic performance of degraded AGR cores

本研究旨在探索石墨堆芯核反应堆的行为和接触动力学。本研究将检验实验数据与分析数据之间的相关性。这将导致识别需要在加强安全案例方面回答的有用问题。这项工作还将着眼于如何改进数字工具的使用，为安全案例论证提供信息。特别是将现有的实验数据与GCORE、SOLFEC、3DEC和其他潜在的建模方法进行比较。本研究还旨在确定预测导致阵列动态性能较差的裂纹模式类型的方法。识别这些模式可以进行有针对性的核心检查，专注于寻找对整体核心性能更为关键的特定类型的开裂。研究的主要成果：数值方法的进一步验证和验证，数据解释的增强方式，对老化岩心基本力学的更深入理解，关键裂纹模式的识别。时间：第一年：研究迄今为止的测试数据和开发工具，以帮助比较实验和分析结果。主要交付成果-年终报告，重点介绍数据处理工具和研究的初步发现。第2年：识别在地震事件中使特定裂纹簇模式更容易受到破坏的特征。关键可交付成果——确定可能导致核心性能下降的模式类型的报告。第三年：研究备选岩心建模技术，该技术可用于更好地预测地震荷载下的阵列行为。关键交付成果——报告指出了当前分析技术的局限性，以及分析建模可以改进的一些方法。

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.