Calculation of fuel rods strength under steady-state operating condition

Keywords

strength, stresses, reactor, fuel rod, stationary mode.

Cite as

Lys S. S. Calculation of fuel rods strength under steady-state operating condition. Physicochemical Mechanics of Materials. 2023. 59(5), 68-73.

https://doi.org/10.15407/pcmm2023.05.068

Abstract

The results of thermal calculations of the part of the fuel assembly of the active zone of the VVER-1000 reactor in the stationary mode of operation make it possible to evaluate the mechanical state of the fuel rod cladding, to understand the influence of reactor control methods on the strength and the design acceptance criteria. The main principles of the evaluation of mechanical characteristics of VVER-1000 fuel rods using the START-3 code are presented. The results of the prediction of the mechanical characteristics of the VVER-1000 fuel rods during the 4-year cycle in stationary mode under normal operating conditions and under their violation are illustrated. The maximum values of stress in the fuel rod in the stationary mode of operation are in the range of 60–80 MPa, which cannot cause depressurization of the fuel rod.

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