This paper aims to evaluate the mechanical integrity for Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) cladding under lateral loads during transportation. The evaluation process requires a conservative consideration of the degradation conditions of SNF cladding, especially the hydride effect, which reduces the ductility of the cladding. The dynamic forces occurring during the drop event are pinch force, axial force and bending moment. Among those forces, axial force and bending moment can induce transverse tearing of cladding. Our assessment of 14 × 14 PWR SNF was performed using finite element analysis considering SNF characteristics. We also considered the probabilistic procedures with a Monte Carlo method and a reliability evaluation. The evaluation results revealed that there was no probability of damage under normal conditions, and that under accident conditions the probability was small for transverse failure mode.

1. Introduction
2. Analysis Regime
    2.1 Mixed Composite Model Setup WithCladding Tube and Hydride
    2.2 Structural Integrity Evaluation Approach
    2.3 Finite Element Modeling and Analysis
    2.4 Regression Analysis
3. Results and Discussion
4. Conclusions
REFERENCES

• Seong-Ki Lee(KEPCO Nuclear Fuel)
• Dong-Hyo Lee(KEPCO Nuclear Fuel)
• Joon-Kyoo Park(KEPCO Nuclear Fuel)
• Jae-Hoon Kim(Chungnam National University) Corresponding Author