Evaluation of Structural Test for Bottom End Piece Used for Nuclear Power Reactor

원자로용 하단고정체에 대한 구조시험 평가

The atomic fuel rods between top and bottom end pieces of reactor need to be extended for high combustion rate of future-type fuel to increase the irradiation in the axial direction. For allowing axial extension of the fuel rods, the space between top and bottom end pieces should be expanded. Thus the thickness reduction of the flow plate is necessary. This study was carried out the mechanical strength test by using strain gages as a function of flow plate thickness, the existence of skirt and loading condition for the Korean Fuel Assembly(KOFA). The experimental apparatus was designed for load conditions, uniformly distributed load and displacement. Test method using whiffle tree of uniformly distributed load has been comparatively conservative. The test results were compared with those of finite element analysis and the test method on bottom end piece was established.