Numerical predictions of heat transfer and pressure tube/calandria tube deformation during Calandria-tube Strain Contact Boiling (CSCB) tests

The assessment of fuel channel integrity during large break LOCA requires adequate prediction of the thermal-mechanical behaviour of the fuel channel following pressure tube ballooning into contact with the calandria tube. Analytical models developed for this purpose need to be calibrated and validated against experimental data. A new series of contact boiling tests was initiated by CNSC to provide additional data on calandria tube straining behaviour after PT/CT contact. This paper presents selected results of the first of these tests and their comparisons with predictions using analytical methodology developed by CNSC staff. (author)