Thermal-mechanical coupling behavior analysis of solid-state constrained component in advanced nuclear energy system

With the advantage of phase change heat transfer, heat pipes have the potential to replace flowing coolants for removing fission heat from nuclear reactors. However, the solid-state constrained heat transfer configuration poses mutual constraints between mechanical properties and heat transfer, and their long-term thermal-mechanical coupling behavior requires further investigation. Currently, research on long-term behavior is limited to either individual/local system components or a single physical field. In this paper, an analysis method for coupled thermal-mechanical behavior is proposed and verified, comprehensively considering thermal-mechanical properties, interactions between components, and the fission gas release. This method is employed to analyze the operating characteristics of a solid-state constrained component. The results indicate that prolonged operation leads to complete contact between structural components, generating high contact pressure that enhances heat transfer but increases creep. The release of gaseous fission products, accumulated over operating time, results in a synchronous increase in both gap and external contact pressures, reaching 5.2 MPa and 4.8 MPa, respectively. This process reduces the gas gap conductance, leading to elevated system peak temperatures and a reduction in temperature safety margins by 43 K. After heat pipe failure, continued operation significantly increases the local creep strain, up to 3.9 times that under normal conditions. The gap size and fuel gap pressure should be optimized to enhance gap heat transfer and reduce component creep. Excessive fission gas release should be avoided in fuel configuration. Reducing the system power following a single heat pipe failure can mitigate component creep and extend the operational lifespan.