Optimal Design of a Nuclear Fuel Rod Support Structure Based on Contact Stress Analysis

접촉응력해석을 통한 핵연료 지지격자 구조물의 최적설계

An optimal design method is adopted for a spacer grid in nuclear power plant. It is made of punched sheet metal process, functioning as springs and dimples supporting fuel rods. For stress analysis of the assembled fuel rod support, a typical cell out of the repeated pattern in the assembly is modeled using 4-node shell elements. A commercial code, ABAQUS, is used for detailed analysis of contacting phenomena with friction. For the optimization, design varibles are taken from geometric parameters representing the shape of the bent leaf spring part and mating contact region with fuel rod. Objective function is considered in relation to mechanical functions and durability. Maximum yon Mises stress is considered in relation to constrained contact stress.