Stress concentration during pellet cladding interaction: Comparison of closed-form solutions with 2D(r,θ) finite element simulations

Jérôme Sercombe , Renaud Masson (1) , Thomas Helfer

1 SESC - Service d'Etudes de Simulation du Comportement du combustibles

h i g h l i g h t s • This paper presents closed-formed solutions concerning pellet cladding interaction. • First, the opening of a radial crack in a pellet fragment is estimated. • Second, the stresses in the cladding in front of the pellet crack are calculated. • The closed-formed solutions are found in good agreement with 2D FE simulations. • They are then used in the fuel code ALCYONE to model PCI during power ramps.

Domaines: Matériaux et structures en mécanique [physics.class-ph]; Matériaux; Mécanique des matériaux [physics.class-ph]; Mécanique des solides [physics.class-ph]; Thermique [physics.class-ph]; Mécanique des structures [physics.class-ph]

Jérôme Sercombe, Renaud Masson, Thomas Helfer. Stress concentration during pellet cladding interaction: Comparison of closed-form solutions with 2D(r,θ) finite element simulations. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 2013, 260, pp.175-187. ⟨10.1016/j.nucengdes.2013.03.019⟩. ⟨hal-03427490⟩