Surge-line thermal stratification: Displacements and fatigue damage computations
Slow, unexpected displacements have been experienced in most pressurized water reactor (PWR) surge lines. Sometimes, these displacement lead to gap closure at the pipe whip restraints. These movements occur because of thermal stratification. This movement has the potential to increase stresses to valves, which may exceed the material yield stress. To understand this phenomenon, Framatome, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, and Electricite de France have undertaken large programs for the study of (1) thermal-hydraulic tests with a half-scale Plexiglas surge line, (2) thermal-hydraulic computations of permanent states and transients with a two-dimensional model, and (3) mechanical analysis of displacements and computation of fatigue damage due to stratification. This paper deals with the last subject. Avoiding stratification in piping by process modifications is difficult because of the high flow rate needed. Alternative solutions for coping with stratification effects are discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 5229503
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-890604--
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA) Vol. 59; ISSN TANSA; ISSN 0003-018X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
210200* -- Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled
CALCULATION METHODS
COMPUTER CODES
COOLING SYSTEMS
DAMAGE
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENERGY TRANSFER
FATIGUE
FLOW RATE
FLUID MECHANICS
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDRAULICS
LEAKS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICS
PIPES
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
REACTORS
STRATIFICATION
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS
TRANSIENTS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS