Validation of container system finite element models for IAEA compliance

Abstract

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) place requirements on container systems used to transport nuclear materials. To demonstrate compliance with these requirements it is necessary to use validated models alongside full system qualification tests. This paper discusses the approach currently being taken to demonstrate regulatory compliance for a container system. In this example the container must be subjected to worst case combination of a 9 m drop, 1 m spigot intrusion test and a 30 min Liquid Fuel Fire (LFF). To aid in the verification and validation of the Finite Element Models two independent teams are conducting the modelling in two separate FE codes in addition to using modal, sub-system and full system destructive tests. Ultimately it is intended that a capability will exist to allow the full sequence (including the LFF) to be modelled and simulated, this will allow for multiple different scenarios and damage levels to be considered.