The dynamic response of single hexagonal LMFBR core subassembly wrappers

To analyze the dynamic structural response of the LMFBR core subassembly hexagonal wrappers to postulated local energy releases and the sensitivity of the response to variations in both the pressure loading and the material properties of the stainless steel, a finite-element computer code STRAW has been developed. Supplementing the analysis, out-of-pile experiments have been performed on single hexcan sections subjected to internal pressure pulse loadings. The tests have been designed with the purpose of validating, and where necessary, extending the scope of the code. The dynamic pressure loading was generated by an explosive source. The source was designed to produce conditions simulating those of a hypothetical core accident. An example chosen was the hypothesized pressure pulse created by a fuel-coolant interaction resulting from the failure of a misloaded, overenriched fuel pin. A series of experiments was performed to study the effects of variations in material properties. (Auth.)