Recent developments in coupled experiments and simulation to understand the fluid-structure dynamics of a Pressurized Water Reactor fuel assembly

International audienceThe proposed paper is dedicated to the description of an extensive research program devoted to understanding fluid-structure interaction mechanisms at all scales of a fuel assembly for a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). This work carried out over the last decade, closely combines modeling and experiments at the highest level, leading to a production of knowledge in the fields of instrumentation, fluid and structure measurements, 10 numerical methods, and simulation, which goes beyond the strict framework of the PWR assembly to apply to a large number of dynamic systems of interest for current and future fission reactors. The article provides an overall synthesis of the past work, as well as a focus on some key outcomes and a description of the numerous remaining perspectives and challenges in an active ongoing research effort

From arc-melted ingot to MTR fuel plate: a SEM/EBSD microstructural study of U3_3Si2_2

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