Finite Element Analysis of the Blanking and Stamping Processes of Nuclear Fuel Spacer Grids
Spacer grid assembly supporting the nuclear fuel rods
is an important concern in the design of structural components of a
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). The spacer grid is composed by
springs and dimples which are formed from a strip sheet by means of
blanking and stamping processes. In this paper, the blanking process
and tooling parameters are evaluated by means of a 2D plane-strain
finite element model in order to evaluate the punch load and quality
of the sheared edges of Inconel 718 strips used for nuclear spacer
grids. A 3D finite element model is also proposed to predict the
tooling loads resulting from the stamping process of a preformed
Inconel 718 strip and to analyse the residual stress effects upon the
spring and dimple design geometries of a nuclear spacer grid.
[1] J. Wang, N. Kim, and H. Lee, “Ductile fracture in the shearing process
of Zircaloy sheet for nuclear fuel spacer grids”. In Metal and Materials
International, vol. 18, No. 2, 2012, pp. 303-316.
[2] C. Poizat, L. Champagne, L. Daridon, L. Ahzi, C. Husson, and L. Merle,
“Modeling and simulation of thin sheet blanking using damage and
rupture criteria”. In International Journal of Forming Process, vol. 8,
No.1, 2005, pp.29-47.
[3] A. L. Gurson, “Continuum theory of ductile rupture by void nucleation
and growth. I. Yield criteria and flow rules for porous ductile media”. In
Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology. vol. 99, No. 1, 1977,
pp. 2-15.
[4] A. Needleman and V. Tvergaard, “An analysis of ductile rupture in
notched bars”. In Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids.
vol. 32, No 6, 1984, pp. 461-490.
[5] ABAQUS user’s manual, Version 6.9, Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp.,
Providence, RI, USA, 2009.
[1] J. Wang, N. Kim, and H. Lee, “Ductile fracture in the shearing process
of Zircaloy sheet for nuclear fuel spacer grids”. In Metal and Materials
International, vol. 18, No. 2, 2012, pp. 303-316.
[2] C. Poizat, L. Champagne, L. Daridon, L. Ahzi, C. Husson, and L. Merle,
“Modeling and simulation of thin sheet blanking using damage and
rupture criteria”. In International Journal of Forming Process, vol. 8,
No.1, 2005, pp.29-47.
[3] A. L. Gurson, “Continuum theory of ductile rupture by void nucleation
and growth. I. Yield criteria and flow rules for porous ductile media”. In
Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology. vol. 99, No. 1, 1977,
pp. 2-15.
[4] A. Needleman and V. Tvergaard, “An analysis of ductile rupture in
notched bars”. In Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids.
vol. 32, No 6, 1984, pp. 461-490.
[5] ABAQUS user’s manual, Version 6.9, Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp.,
Providence, RI, USA, 2009.
@article{"International Journal of Chemical, Materials and Biomolecular Sciences:70650", author = "R. O. Santos and L. P. Moreira and M. C. Cardoso", title = "Finite Element Analysis of the Blanking and Stamping Processes of Nuclear Fuel Spacer Grids", abstract = "Spacer grid assembly supporting the nuclear fuel rods
is an important concern in the design of structural components of a
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). The spacer grid is composed by
springs and dimples which are formed from a strip sheet by means of
blanking and stamping processes. In this paper, the blanking process
and tooling parameters are evaluated by means of a 2D plane-strain
finite element model in order to evaluate the punch load and quality
of the sheared edges of Inconel 718 strips used for nuclear spacer
grids. A 3D finite element model is also proposed to predict the
tooling loads resulting from the stamping process of a preformed
Inconel 718 strip and to analyse the residual stress effects upon the
spring and dimple design geometries of a nuclear spacer grid.", keywords = "Blanking process, damage model, finite element
modelling, Inconel 718, spacer grids, stamping process.", volume = "9", number = "9", pages = "1096-9", }