Numerical Simulations of the Nonlinear Dynamic Response of the CRBRP Head Assembly

摘要

The head assembly of a liquid metal fast breeder reactor's (LMFBRs) vessel provides the topside barrier for radioactive core materials and coolant. Events that challenge the structural integrity of this barrier must be taken into account in the safety analysis of LMFBRs because a breach of the topside closure would permit a substantial inventory of sodium to enter into the secondary containment. One such accident, which is very unlikely but potentially severe, is a hypothetical core disruptive accident (HCDA), which has the mechanical consequence of propelling a slug of high velocity sodium against the head assembly. The numerical simulation of the dynamic response of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Plant's (CRBRP) head closure during a 661 MJ HCDA and a qualitative comparison of deformation modes with a static loading test, which was performed by SRI International, are described. (ERA citation 10:039209)