This paper on "Methodology of Structure Simulation Used for Integrity Assessment of Nuclear Components" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Abstract

In this paper the methodology of structure simulation based on Finite Elements used for the integrity assessment of nuclear components is described by examples. The method for the fracture analysis of reactor pressure vessels (RPV) under thermomechanical loading due to emergency cooling transients is presented. Comparative studies concerning the complexity of the models with regard to boundary. Conditions are summarized. Parametric studies show the influences al the cladding concerning the postulated cracks and the water temperature al the injection system on the integrity assessment. Furthermore, the method to simulate the structure behaviour of a primary coolant loop under thermo-mechanical loading due to accident management measures with consideration of the interaction between the different components is presented.