Research on Fluid-Structure Coupling of Spent Fuel Storage and Transport Basket Based on Immersed Boundary Element

Abstract Nuclear power plants are intricate systems housing a multitude of equipment crucial for their functioning. Among these components, the spent fuel storage and transport basket plays a pivotal role in securely containing highly radioactive spent fuel. Particularly under seismic conditions, the spent fuel storage and transport basket encounters challenges associated with fluid dynamics. Fluid permeates its interior, and external fluid dynamically envelops it, introducing complex fluid-structure coupling effects. Traditional fluid-structure coupling models, characterized by closed structures, tend to adopt overly conservative approaches. Additionally, transient Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, relying on intricate modeling, pose computational challenges due to their intensity. In response to these challenges, this research introduces an innovative approach by leveraging the immersed boundary method. The research not only proposes a new methodology for studying fluid-structure coupling phenomena but also utilizes the OpenFOAM software for numerical simulations. The study provides comprehensive insights into the variation of lift force, contributing to a deeper understanding of the fluid-structure interactions. To validate the proposed approach, the numerical results undergo a rigorous comparative analysis with both experimental data and previously modeled outcomes. In conclusion, through a meticulous and comprehensive numerical investigation, the findings not only offer a foundation for structural dynamic analysis but also hold implications for enhancing the seismic resilience of crucial components within nuclear power facilities.