Impact Analysis of a Full Model Doublet-Type Spacer Grid in the Fuel Assembly of a PWR

A spacer grid is one of the main structural components in the fuel assembly of a Pressurized Light Water Reactor (PWR). It supports fuel rods and maintains geometry from external impact loads. In ICONE10, a paper was published for impact analysis of a partial model spacer grid. A five by five grid model was established and the analysis results were discussed. At this moment, a full model with a sixteen by sixteen grid is analyzed for impact analysis. This grid has a new doublet-type shape. The finite element model with 16×16 grid cells is established for nonlinear analysis. It is composed of inner straps, outer straps, guide thimbles, etc. The model is considered the aspects of welding and the contacts between the components. The critical impact load that leads to plastic deformation is identified. Nonlinear finite element analysis is carried out by a software system called ABAQUS/EXPLICIT. The results are discussed in the context of the previous results from the partial model and incorporation of the analysis results into the design change is discussed.