PCI margin analysis methodology using the FALCON fuel performance code

Abstract

ANATECH Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. has been at the forefront of PCI (pellet-cladding interaction) margin analyses as principal author of the EPRI PCI Guidelines documents and through the performance of numerous PCI margin evaluations for light-water reactors. In this paper, ANATECH first provides a discussion of specific features of the methodology developed over a number of years of application including a) selection of limiting assemblies for the detailed FALCON full length fuel rod (i.e., R-Z model) and PCI (i.e., R-θ model) evaluations, b) development of FALCON input characteristics including high fidelity rod-by-rod power histories, and c) application of failure criteria and remedies to the core designer in the case where the criteria are exceeded. Second, ANATECH provides guidance based on evaluations performed to-date. Analysis results are presented to show critical aspects of the evaluations and how they are used to provide insights to inform and improve commercial plant operation.