Flow-Induced Vibration and Acoustic Behaviour of CANFLEX-LVRF Bundles in a Bruce B NGS Fuel Channel

Abstract

Frequency/temperature sweep tests were performed in a high-temperature/high pressure test channel to determine the acoustic and flow-induced vibration characteristics of the CANFLEX-LVRF bundle. The vibratory response of CANFLEXLVRF bundles was compared with that of 37-element fuel bundles under Bruce B NGS fuel channel normal operating conditions. The tests were performed with a 12-bundle string of CANFLEX-LVRF bundles as well as a mixed string for the transition core.



The tests showed that the LVRF bundles performed as required without failure or gross geometry changes. The mixed fuel strings behaved in a manner similar to that of a string of CANFLEX-LVRF bundles.