Assessment of the Vulnerability of RBMK Fuel Channels to Loads Produced by the Rupturing of One Channel

• Published in: Atomic energy (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 89; no. 2; pp. 597 - 603
• Main Authors: Gabaraev, B A, Novosel'skii, O Yu, Filinov, V N, Parafilo, L M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer Nature B.V 01-08-2000
• Subjects: Assessments; Channels; Deflection; Failure analysis; Internal pressure; Nuclear fuels; Nuclear reactors; Pipe; Pipes; RBMK; Rupture; Stresses; Studies; Tubes
• ISSN: 1063-4258; 1573-8205
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1011337822957

The possibilities for a fuel-channel pipe in RBMK, with nominal parameters, to rupture under internal and external loading caused by the rupture of a neighboring damaged channel, which becomes overheated for a general reason, are analyzed. The deformation of the masonry and the loads on the pipes are calculated using the R_SPACE code. The stress state of the channel tube closest to the rupture is estimated. It is established that the maximum stresses on the inner surface of a channel tube as the result of the ruptured channel are reached at the first second primarily as a result of the internal pressure and contact forces. On the inner surface of the convex part of the tube, the largest stresses at the eleventh second are primarily due to the internal pressure and the maximum deflection of the column. An estimate of the stressed state according to plasicity and strength criteria shows that when one channel ruptures at the center of the core, secondary rupture of the pipes in the surrounding channels, which are subject to the normal operating conditions, will not occur. 7 figures, 4 references.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]