PWR fuel assembly dynamic characteristics

A pressurized water reactor fuel assembly is subjected to flowing water conditions causing vibration of the assembly. The purpose of this program was to evaluate the fuel assembly design from a dynamic standpoint by performing various tests on beginning-of-life and end-of-life prototype fuel assemblies. The primary dynamic characteristics of the fuel design were determined from tests performed in air and water, under both cold and hot water reactor operating conditions. The following parameters were investigated to determine their effect on the fuel assembly dynamic characteristics: fuel rod grip forces, temperature, environment, flow velocity, vibration amplitude, vibration direction, and control rod insertion. (author)