|Table of Contents|

Thermal stress safety analysis of nuclear thermal propulsion reactor fuel elements(PDF)

《火箭推进》[ISSN:1672-9374/CN:CN 61-1436/V]

Issue:
2024年04期
Page:
83-93
Research Field:
目次
Publishing date:

Info

Title:
Thermal stress safety analysis of nuclear thermal propulsion reactor fuel elements
Author(s):
ZHOU Zhifan;  ZHANG Jinɡ;  WU Yinɡwei;  HE Yanan;  GUO Kailun;  WANG Minɡjun; SU Guanɡhui;  QIU Suizhenɡ;  TIAN Wenxi
School of Nuclear Science Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
Keywords:
nuclear thermal propulsion;  fuel element;  thermal stress;  fluid-structure interaction;  safety analysis
PACS:
TL352.1
DOI:
10.3969/j.issn.1672-9374.2024.04.008
Abstract:
In nuclear thermal propulsion, the very-high-temperature gas-cooled reactor core operates under challenging service conditions including high heat flux, steep power gradients, significant temperature difference, and intense coolant flow erosion. In this environment, there is a risk of structural failure due to stress concentration in the hexagonal fuel elements, which can potentially impact the safety performance of the nuclear reactor fuel elements. To explore the thermal stress behavior and thermal safety boundaries of nuclear thermal propulsion fuel elements, with a focus on NERVA-type nuclear thermal propulsion reactors, a symmetrical model is established using the basic unit of densely packed fuel components inside the reactor, which is conducted for(U, Zr)C graphite-based composite fuel elements within the reactor, under high-temperature, high-flow hydrogen propulsion conditions, evaluating the risk of high-temperature melting and structural failure. The research findings indicate that under the operating conditions of nuclear thermal propulsion reactors, fuel elements experience non-uniform internal heat distribution due to the arrangement of their coolant channels and the cooling effects of connecting pipe elements. The accumulation of radial temperature differences leading to different thermal expansion along the axial direction is the primary cause of structural failure in fuel elements. Combining the analysis of temperature-stress field distribution within the fuel elements and the factors influencing it, this research can provide optimization ideas and guidelines for the safety design of nuclear thermal propulsion systems.

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