Response of irradiated nuclear fuel rods to quasi-static and dynamic loads

This paper presents the methodology applied for the experimental and numerical investigation of the mechanical response of spent nuclear fuel rods under static and dynamic loads. The experimental activities were conducted at the JRC Karlsruhe where a 3-point bending test device and an impact tower have been developed and commissioned at the hot-cell facilities. Results are provided for two PWR samples. Load-displacement curves describe the mechanical response of the sample in the 3point bending tests, whereas an image analysis methodology has been developed to comprehend the sample's behaviour under dynamic loads (recorded using a high-speed camera). Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are used to simulate the rod's response based on static and transient structural models in ANSYS Mechanical.