Optimization of fracture strength tests for the SIC layer of coated fuel particles by finite element analysis

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Abstract

Extended finite element (FE) analysis has been performed to optimize the fracture strength tests for SiC coating layer of tri-isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles. Since the SiC layer is a thin spherical shell that sustains most of the internal pressure from fission gas release and other internal expansions, obtaining accurate mechanical property data has been required for design optimization and performance assessment of the fuel. A crush testing technique for hemispherical shell SiC specimens has been newly developed, in which a metallic foil is inserted between the SiC specimen and the loading plunger to produce adequate stress distribution in the specimen. The present FE analysis aimed at finding proper material and thickness for the metallic insert, and detailed parametric studies were performed for insert material and thickness. The results could suggest optimum loading configurations that can provide sufficient uniformly stressed area, on which the reliability of fracture strength data is dependent. Fracture tests were conducted for model specimens, following the suggested details of loading configuration. The results demonstrated that the suggested loading configuration produced reliable fracture strength data for the SiC coating layer of TRISO fuel particles.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCeramics in Nuclear Applications - A Collection of Papers Presented at the 33rd International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites
Pages149-159
Number of pages11
Edition10
StatePublished - 2010
EventCeramics in Nuclear Applications - 33rd International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites - Daytona Beach, FL, United States
Duration: Jan 18 2009Jan 23 2009

Publication series

NameCeramic Engineering and Science Proceedings
Number10
Volume30
ISSN (Print)0196-6219

Conference

ConferenceCeramics in Nuclear Applications - 33rd International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDaytona Beach, FL
Period01/18/0901/23/09

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