@article{(Open Science Index):https://publications.waset.org/pdf/10002147, title = {Finite Element Analysis of the Blanking and Stamping Processes of Nuclear Fuel Spacer Grids}, author = {R. O. Santos and L. P. Moreira and M. C. Cardoso}, country = {}, institution = {}, abstract = {Spacer grid assembly supporting the nuclear fuel rods is an important concern in the design of structural components of a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). The spacer grid is composed by springs and dimples which are formed from a strip sheet by means of blanking and stamping processes. In this paper, the blanking process and tooling parameters are evaluated by means of a 2D plane-strain finite element model in order to evaluate the punch load and quality of the sheared edges of Inconel 718 strips used for nuclear spacer grids. A 3D finite element model is also proposed to predict the tooling loads resulting from the stamping process of a preformed Inconel 718 strip and to analyse the residual stress effects upon the spring and dimple design geometries of a nuclear spacer grid.}, journal = {International Journal of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering}, volume = {9}, number = {9}, year = {2015}, pages = {1096 - 1104}, ee = {https://publications.waset.org/pdf/10002147}, url = {https://publications.waset.org/vol/105}, bibsource = {https://publications.waset.org/}, issn = {eISSN: 1307-6892}, publisher = {World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology}, index = {Open Science Index 105, 2015}, }