Hunterston Intermediate Level Waste Store, Drop load analysis of 3m3 containers
The containers are manufactured in varying standard sizes, to a general specification laid down by UK Nirex.
Halcrow were commissioned by British Nuclear Group to analyse their design of the 3m3 containers under various loading conditions. The work involved a numerical study which investigated the drop load impact assessment of the nuclear waste containers. The aim was to consider the effect of design changes which were aimed at optimising the manufacture of the 3m3 ILW waste drums destined for the ILW store at Hunterston.
Advanced finite element analysis with ANSYS/LS-DYNA and expertise in dynamics and impact engineering, coupled with understanding of the problem and client needs helped Halcrow develop a detailed methodology and determine strains associated with different drop load scenarios and design changes.