Core Radial Constraint Theory and Applications to the Ftr.

1000-MWe LMFBR ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND SAFETY SYSTEM DESIGN STUDY. TOPICAL REPORT. EFFECTS OF IRRADIATION-INDUCED METAL SWELLING ON THE REFERENCE DESIGN.

“…With the primary goal of reducing the maximum core swelling established, the associated effect is the reduction in maximum strain, as shown in Figure 3 The increase in the stresses for the modified fuel assembly shown in [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] was a setback because of the side effects of neutron flux distribution in the rnodified core. In reducing the neutron fluence level near the core centerline, the actual neutron flux level and the flux gradients near the interface of the core and radial blanket are considerably increased.…”

“…A review of the experimental data conducted [20][21][22] against the background of the existing reference design revealed that the following approaches for accommodating fuel swelling should be considered (refer to 4. Core Clamp Arrangement -The core clamp arrangement consists of a radially directed load applied to the outside blanket elements.…”