DESCRIPTION
The fuel assembly is a highly nonlinear structure which can be subjected to substantial loadings during seismic excitations and LOCA transients. The integrity of this assembly is critical for plant safety. Extensive work has been completed by NSSS vendors for the determination of fuel element response during the sustained vibrations of normal operation. However, there is a need to study the behavior of these assemblies during accident conditions. Work included a determination as to whether or not existing geometry can adequately satisfy the functional design criteria. Vibration interaction between components of the assembly and reactor pressure vessel was investigated. This item is documented in NUREG-0471.[1]
CONCLUSION
This item is covered in USI A-2, "Asymmetric Blowdown Loads on Reactor Primary Coolant Systems."
[1] NUREG-0471, "Generic Task Problem Descriptions (Categories B, C, and D)," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, June 1978.