Study of the mechanical consequences of HAC drops for R72 and R73radioactive material transport packages without impact limiters while handled on operating sites

Type B transport packages are generally equipped with impact limiters whose purpose is to absorb shocks under Accident Conditions of Transport. During operation on nuclear sites, these impact limiters can be removed to allow lifting and transfer in order to carry out the loading phases for example.Several studies have been conducted jointly by ROBATEL Industries and EDF to justify the safety of the R72 spent fuel rod transport package and the R73 activated wastes transport package for onsite potential handling event when these packages are not equipped with their impact limiters.Dynamic studies using the LS-DYNA finite element program were performed on the R72 transport package, considering:Different types of impact ground: elastic or reinforced concrete, impact-absorbing cellular materials;Drop heights between 8 and 28 meters;Different orientations: end or corner drops, rear impact limiter facing down.Similar studies were conducted on the R73 packaging, considering:A rigid ground,Drop heights of 2 metersDifferent orientations: end or corner drops, lid facing down.In any configuration, both studies showed that the contents of the packages are held in the package cavities by the containment system. In addition, the containment sealings maintain a significant compression ratio.This article will present the assumptions and methods used to calculate these specific accidental conditions, thus demonstrating the robustness of type B packages designs in a context that extends beyond transport regulation.