Equipment that crops irradiated fuel under water must withstand normal operation and, in addition, the loss-of-coolant scenario (LOCA). Both had to be demonstrated on the structure and on the flow through the equipment's circuit.
Scope
3D model of the machine, its tower and base frame
CFD simulation of flow through the equipment circuit and elbows: velocities and pressure losses
Finite element structural analysis under normal operation
Structural analysis under LOCA accident: von Mises stresses and critical zones
Design proposals to resolve overstressed points
Framing within the applicable regulations
How we worked
Coupled analysis, not parallel. CFD results fed the loads of the structural analysis instead of being treated as independent studies.
The accident case as a design criterion. Improvement proposals were assessed directly against the LOCA scenario.
Result
Verified in operation and in accident
Machine verified structurally and fluid-dynamically under normal operation and LOCA, with the required design changes identified and justified.