Two- and three-dimensional analyses of DHLW casks

Coding developments in computational stress analysis have matured to the point that iterative design calculations are now possible. Utilizing two- and three-dimensional finite element codes - HONDOII and DYNA3D - truck and rail versions of the DHLW cask have been shown to survive drops from 9 m (30 ft) onto an unyielding surface. The rail cask has withstood a side drop simulation, and will survive a center-of-gravity over corner drop onto its closure end after only minor adjustments to the design. The truck version of the cask has survived simulated impacts onto its bottom end, both in flat-on and center-of-gravity over corner orientations, and the stresses calculated show good margin when compared to the allowables. To confirm the predictions of these analyses, scale model testing will commence in 1984