Melt Trap Radial Support and Turnbuckle Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for confining nuclear reactor core melt are unreliable due to the risk of melt traps overturning under non-axisymmetric shock loads, leading to potential melt release outside the trap.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a melt trap with radial supports connected through fasteners and clamps with oval holes, and upper supports featuring paired turnbuckles mounted tangentially to the melt trap body, allowing for thermal expansion and distributing shock loads to prevent overturning and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the melt trap is supported by simple upper supports mounted on protrusions, then the device structure is simple, but the melt trap can be deformed and overturned under non-axisymmetric shock loads
Solution Approach 1:
The upper support is divided into multiple radial supports that are distributed around the melt trap body. Each radial support independently carries load, and together they provide stable support that prevents overturning under non-axisymmetric shock loads while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The radial supports are pre-installed and positioned to provide optimal load distribution before any accident occurs. The supports are arranged radially around the melt trap body, creating a stable geometric configuration that inherently resists overturning moments from any direction
2Reliability
If the melt trap body is rigidly constrained, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion during cooling operation is restricted causing stress
Solution Approach 1:
The support system provides different types of constraints at different locations and directions. The radial supports provide strong lateral support for stability while allowing axial movement for thermal expansion. The oval holes in fasteners provide localized flexibility in specific directions while maintaining constraint in other directions
Solution Approach 2:
The support system allows the melt trap body to change its dimensional parameters (expand/contract) in response to temperature changes. The oval-shaped fastener holes and turnbuckle mechanisms enable the structure to adapt its geometry dynamically, transforming from a rigid fixed-position system to one that accommodates thermal parameter changes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures the melt trap remains stable and prevents melt release by distributing shock loads and allowing for thermal expansion, effectively eliminating the risk of overturning and maintaining structural integrity during severe accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The longitudinal axis of each radial support of the melt trap bottom support passes in projection at an equispaced distance from the fitting location of the paired turnbuckles installed tangentially to the melt trap body
Implementation Method 2
the radial supports and the clamps have oval holes, the upper support comprises turnbuckles, mounted in pairs on the upper part of the melt trap body
Data Source
AI summary
A device for confining nuclear reactor core melt comprising a melt trap and provided with a multilayer vessel containment, a filler, an upper support, and a bottom support comprising a horizontal embedded plate mounted in the concrete of a reactor pit. The plate comprises radial supports, the melt trap comprising radial supports, based on the radial support of the plate. The plate radial supports and the melt trap radial supports are connected with fasteners having holes in the form of hyperbolic surfaces. The radial supports and the clamps have oval holes. The upper support comprises turnbuckles, mounted in pairs on the upper part of the melt trap body so that the longitudinal axis of each radial support of the melt trap bottom support passes in projection at an equispaced distance from the fitting location of the paired turnbuckles and connecting the melt trap body with the reactor pit vertical wall.