{"id":{"repo_id":"unr","oai_identifier":"oai:scholarwolf.unr.edu:11714/11255"},"canonical_url":"https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/unr/oai:scholarwolf.unr.edu:11714/11255","repository":{"repo_id":"unr","name":"University of Nevada - Reno","base_url":"https://scholarwolf.unr.edu/server/oai/request"},"display":{"title":"Modeling the Dynamic Response of Vertical Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Casks under Three-Dimensional Earthquake Wave Fields","abstract":"Nuclear power generation has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering the potential for reduced carbon emissions and cleaner energy production. However, the long-term management of irradiated nuclear fuels poses a significant challenge. These materials require ongoing heat dissipation and exhibit high levels of radioactivity, complicating their storage and disposal, particularly in the absence of a permanent repository. In this context, Dry Storage Casks (DSCs) have been widely adopted as an interim storage solution, alluring several advantages, including minimal decommissioning cost, expedited transportation, and modular expansion capabilities. The proposed extension of operational lifespans for dry storage casks, typically deployed freestanding, has raised concerns regarding the long-term exposure to lateral extreme events. This makes them susceptible to sliding, rocking, and potential tip-over, leading to inter-cask collision during seismic events. Furthermore, soil-structure interaction (SSI) may significantly influence the dynamic response of such stiff structures founded on soft soil. While previous research studies have attempted to address this issue, they predominantly relied on one-dimensional (1D) deconvolution to transfer input motions at the base of the site soil stratigraphy, increasing the risk of oversimplification and erroneous prediction of SSI effects. Recent technological advancements in high-performance computing have enabled the routine generation of synthetic motions by leveraging simulation techniques, facilitating the capture of three-dimensional (3D) complex incident wavefields that affect structures. This research aimed to develop a workflow to utilize the outcome of such simulations in analyzing the response of DSCs while rigorously taking SSI effects into account. To this end, ground motions were extracted from a 3D geophysics model with a strike-slip fault rupture scenario capable of generating a M7.0 seismic event. Then, the domain reduction method (DRM) was implemented to port the motions to the DRM layer of a truncated soil domain generated in LS-DYNA. Three DSC configurations were investigated: a single cask model and two multiple cask arrangements oriented parallel or normal to the fault. Each model was analyzed considering both fixed and flexible bases at five different rupture distances. Results suggest that sliding and rocking are more predominant in the two near-field cases, while the cask response in the three far-field scenarios follows the ground response. In most situations, it was observed that the case incorporating the SSI produced higher responses than the cases without SSI. Additionally, input motion with more significant ground motion intensities induced higher cask sliding, indicating their potential positive correlation. Considerable variation in response characteristics, i.e., rocking, sliding, and CG level acceleration, was observed despite establishing a uniform frictional coefficient across DSCs in the multi-cask model, especially in the near-field cases. This series of experiments is expected to help future regulations, engineers, and licensing vendors consider at least some extremely unfavorable SSI analyses with multiple DSCs to ensure the safety of the dry storage facilities.","abstract_html":"Nuclear power generation has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering the potential for reduced carbon emissions and cleaner energy production. However, the long-term management of irradiated nuclear fuels poses a significant challenge. These materials require ongoing heat dissipation and exhibit high levels of radioactivity, complicating their storage and disposal, particularly in the absence of a permanent repository. In this context, Dry Storage Casks (DSCs) have been widely adopted as an interim storage solution, alluring several advantages, including minimal decommissioning cost, expedited transportation, and modular expansion capabilities. The proposed extension of operational lifespans for dry storage casks, typically deployed freestanding, has raised concerns regarding the long-term exposure to lateral extreme events. This makes them susceptible to sliding, rocking, and potential tip-over, leading to inter-cask collision during seismic events. Furthermore, soil-structure interaction (SSI) may significantly influence the dynamic response of such stiff structures founded on soft soil. While previous research studies have attempted to address this issue, they predominantly relied on one-dimensional (1D) deconvolution to transfer input motions at the base of the site soil stratigraphy, increasing the risk of oversimplification and erroneous prediction of SSI effects. Recent technological advancements in high-performance computing have enabled the routine generation of synthetic motions by leveraging simulation techniques, facilitating the capture of three-dimensional (3D) complex incident wavefields that affect structures. This research aimed to develop a workflow to utilize the outcome of such simulations in analyzing the response of DSCs while rigorously taking SSI effects into account. To this end, ground motions were extracted from a 3D geophysics model with a strike-slip fault rupture scenario capable of generating a M7.0 seismic event. Then, the domain reduction method (DRM) was implemented to port the motions to the DRM layer of a truncated soil domain generated in LS-DYNA. Three DSC configurations were investigated: a single cask model and two multiple cask arrangements oriented parallel or normal to the fault. Each model was analyzed considering both fixed and flexible bases at five different rupture distances. Results suggest that sliding and rocking are more predominant in the two near-field cases, while the cask response in the three far-field scenarios follows the ground response. In most situations, it was observed that the case incorporating the SSI produced higher responses than the cases without SSI. Additionally, input motion with more significant ground motion intensities induced higher cask sliding, indicating their potential positive correlation. Considerable variation in response characteristics, i.e., rocking, sliding, and CG level acceleration, was observed despite establishing a uniform frictional coefficient across DSCs in the multi-cask model, especially in the near-field cases. This series of experiments is expected to help future regulations, engineers, and licensing vendors consider at least some extremely unfavorable SSI analyses with multiple DSCs to ensure the safety of the dry storage facilities.","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Das, Tonmoy"],"institution":null,"degree_name":null,"degree_level":"Master's Degree","degree_discipline":null,"degree_department":null,"school":null,"contributors":[],"advisors":["Seylabi, Elnaz E.S."],"committee_chairs":[],"committee_members":["McCallen, David D.B.M","Hadj-Nacer, Mustafa M.H."],"year":2024,"date_issued":"2024","date_published":"2024","updated_at":"2026-07-27T21:47:36Z","subjects":["Domain Reduction Method","Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI)","LS-DYNA Finite Element Modeling","Near-Field Ground Motions","Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI)","Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) Dry Storage Casks (DSC)"],"languages":["en_US","English"],"rights":[],"rights_urls":[],"identifier_entries":[]},"links":{"outbound_url":"https://scholarwolf.unr.edu/handle/11714/11255","outbound_label":"Repository record","outbound_source":"dc:identifier.uri"},"metadata_groups":[{"id":"people","label":"People","entries":[{"key":"dc:contributor.advisor","label":"Advisor","values":["Seylabi, Elnaz E.S."]},{"key":"dc:contributor.committeemember","label":"Committee Member","values":["McCallen, David D.B.M","Hadj-Nacer, Mustafa M.H."]},{"key":"dc:creator","label":"Author","values":["Das, Tonmoy"]}]},{"id":"academic_context","label":"Academic Context","entries":[{"key":"dc:date.accessioned","label":"Dc Date Accessioned","values":["2025-03-28T16:20:48Z"]},{"key":"dc:date.issued","label":"Date","values":["2024"]},{"key":"dc:type","label":"Dc Type","values":["Thesis"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_level","label":"Degree Level","values":["Master's Degree"]}]},{"id":"subjects_keywords","label":"Subjects and Keywords","entries":[{"key":"dc:subject","label":"Dc Subject","values":["Domain Reduction Method","Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI)","LS-DYNA Finite Element Modeling","Near-Field Ground Motions","Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI)","Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) Dry Storage Casks (DSC)"]}]},{"id":"language_rights","label":"Language and Rights","entries":[{"key":"dc:language","label":"Dc Language","values":["English"]},{"key":"dc:language.iso","label":"Language (ISO)","values":["en_US"]}]},{"id":"identifiers","label":"Identifiers","entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier.uri","label":"Identifier URI","values":["https://scholarwolf.unr.edu/handle/11714/11255"]}]},{"id":"additional","label":"Additional Metadata","entries":[{"key":"dc:description.abstract","label":"Abstract","values":["Nuclear power generation has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering the potential for reduced carbon emissions and cleaner energy production. However, the long-term management of irradiated nuclear fuels poses a significant challenge. These materials require ongoing heat dissipation and exhibit high levels of radioactivity, complicating their storage and disposal, particularly in the absence of a permanent repository. In this context, Dry Storage Casks (DSCs) have been widely adopted as an interim storage solution, alluring several advantages, including minimal decommissioning cost, expedited transportation, and modular expansion capabilities. The proposed extension of operational lifespans for dry storage casks, typically deployed freestanding, has raised concerns regarding the long-term exposure to lateral extreme events. This makes them susceptible to sliding, rocking, and potential tip-over, leading to inter-cask collision during seismic events. Furthermore, soil-structure interaction (SSI) may significantly influence the dynamic response of such stiff structures founded on soft soil. While previous research studies have attempted to address this issue, they predominantly relied on one-dimensional (1D) deconvolution to transfer input motions at the base of the site soil stratigraphy, increasing the risk of oversimplification and erroneous prediction of SSI effects. Recent technological advancements in high-performance computing have enabled the routine generation of synthetic motions by leveraging simulation techniques, facilitating the capture of three-dimensional (3D) complex incident wavefields that affect structures. This research aimed to develop a workflow to utilize the outcome of such simulations in analyzing the response of DSCs while rigorously taking SSI effects into account. To this end, ground motions were extracted from a 3D geophysics model with a strike-slip fault rupture scenario capable of generating a M7.0 seismic event. Then, the domain reduction method (DRM) was implemented to port the motions to the DRM layer of a truncated soil domain generated in LS-DYNA. Three DSC configurations were investigated: a single cask model and two multiple cask arrangements oriented parallel or normal to the fault. Each model was analyzed considering both fixed and flexible bases at five different rupture distances. Results suggest that sliding and rocking are more predominant in the two near-field cases, while the cask response in the three far-field scenarios follows the ground response. In most situations, it was observed that the case incorporating the SSI produced higher responses than the cases without SSI. Additionally, input motion with more significant ground motion intensities induced higher cask sliding, indicating their potential positive correlation. Considerable variation in response characteristics, i.e., rocking, sliding, and CG level acceleration, was observed despite establishing a uniform frictional coefficient across DSCs in the multi-cask model, especially in the near-field cases. This series of experiments is expected to help future regulations, engineers, and licensing vendors consider at least some extremely unfavorable SSI analyses with multiple DSCs to ensure the safety of the dry storage facilities."]},{"key":"dc:format","label":"Dc Format","values":["PDF"]},{"key":"dc:title","label":"Title","values":["Modeling the Dynamic Response of Vertical Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Casks under Three-Dimensional Earthquake Wave Fields"]}]}],"canonical_facts":{"dc:contributor.advisor":["Seylabi, Elnaz E.S."],"dc:contributor.committeemember":["McCallen, David D.B.M","Hadj-Nacer, Mustafa M.H."],"dc:creator":["Das, Tonmoy"],"dc:date.accessioned":["2025-03-28T16:20:48Z"],"dc:date.issued":["2024"],"dc:description.abstract":["Nuclear power generation has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering the potential for reduced carbon emissions and cleaner energy production. However, the long-term management of irradiated nuclear fuels poses a significant challenge. These materials require ongoing heat dissipation and exhibit high levels of radioactivity, complicating their storage and disposal, particularly in the absence of a permanent repository. In this context, Dry Storage Casks (DSCs) have been widely adopted as an interim storage solution, alluring several advantages, including minimal decommissioning cost, expedited transportation, and modular expansion capabilities. The proposed extension of operational lifespans for dry storage casks, typically deployed freestanding, has raised concerns regarding the long-term exposure to lateral extreme events. This makes them susceptible to sliding, rocking, and potential tip-over, leading to inter-cask collision during seismic events. Furthermore, soil-structure interaction (SSI) may significantly influence the dynamic response of such stiff structures founded on soft soil. While previous research studies have attempted to address this issue, they predominantly relied on one-dimensional (1D) deconvolution to transfer input motions at the base of the site soil stratigraphy, increasing the risk of oversimplification and erroneous prediction of SSI effects. Recent technological advancements in high-performance computing have enabled the routine generation of synthetic motions by leveraging simulation techniques, facilitating the capture of three-dimensional (3D) complex incident wavefields that affect structures. This research aimed to develop a workflow to utilize the outcome of such simulations in analyzing the response of DSCs while rigorously taking SSI effects into account. To this end, ground motions were extracted from a 3D geophysics model with a strike-slip fault rupture scenario capable of generating a M7.0 seismic event. Then, the domain reduction method (DRM) was implemented to port the motions to the DRM layer of a truncated soil domain generated in LS-DYNA. Three DSC configurations were investigated: a single cask model and two multiple cask arrangements oriented parallel or normal to the fault. Each model was analyzed considering both fixed and flexible bases at five different rupture distances. Results suggest that sliding and rocking are more predominant in the two near-field cases, while the cask response in the three far-field scenarios follows the ground response. In most situations, it was observed that the case incorporating the SSI produced higher responses than the cases without SSI. Additionally, input motion with more significant ground motion intensities induced higher cask sliding, indicating their potential positive correlation. Considerable variation in response characteristics, i.e., rocking, sliding, and CG level acceleration, was observed despite establishing a uniform frictional coefficient across DSCs in the multi-cask model, especially in the near-field cases. This series of experiments is expected to help future regulations, engineers, and licensing vendors consider at least some extremely unfavorable SSI analyses with multiple DSCs to ensure the safety of the dry storage facilities."],"dc:format":["PDF"],"dc:identifier.uri":["https://scholarwolf.unr.edu/handle/11714/11255"],"dc:language":["English"],"dc:language.iso":["en_US"],"dc:subject":["Domain Reduction Method","Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI)","LS-DYNA Finite Element Modeling","Near-Field Ground Motions","Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI)","Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) Dry Storage Casks (DSC)"],"dc:title":["Modeling the Dynamic Response of Vertical Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Casks under Three-Dimensional Earthquake Wave Fields"],"dc:type":["Thesis"],"thesis:degree_level":["Master's Degree"]},"updated_at":"2026-07-27T21:47:36Z"}