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Structural analyses of a dish reflux pool-boiler receiver

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5945951

Coupled thermal-structural finite element calculations of a dish-type reflux pool-boiler solar receiver were performed to characterize the operating stresses and to address issues affecting the service life of the receiver. All calculations were performed using ABAQUS, a general purpose finite element code, and finite elements specifically formulated for coupled thermal-structural analysis. The receiver response was simulated for a combination of structural and thermal loads that represent the startup and operating conditions of the receiver. A shell element model was used to characterize the operating stresses and investigate design optimization. The shell model was analyzed for various aft dome thickness to determine an optimum thickness. More detailed analyses with continuum elements were used to assess the vulnerability of a seam-weld to fatigue crack growth. Treating the well-notch as a crack tip, the stress intensity factor was computed using the J-integral method. The computed stress intensity factor was below the fatigue threshold for most steels, indicating that the seam-weld should meet design requirements. 10 refs., 13 figs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
5945951
Report Number(s):
SAND-91-1312C; CONF-920436--1; ON: DE91017453
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English