GDH pipe break transient analysis of the RBMK - 1500.

Conference · Wed May 15 04:00:00 EDT 2002

OSTI ID:795878

Kulak, R; Marcherta, A; Dundulis, G

Presented in this paper is the transient analysis of a Group Distribution Header (GDH) following a guillotine break at the end of the header. The GDH is the most important component of reactor safety in case of accidents. Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) piping is connected to the GDH piping such that, during an accident, coolant passes from the GDH into the ECCS. The GDH that is propelled into motion after a guillotine break can impact neighboring GDH pipes or the nearest wall of the compartment. The cases of GDH impact on an adjacent GDH and its attached piping are investigated in this paper. A whipping RBMK-1500 GDH along with neighboring concrete walls and pipelines is modeled using finite elements. The finite element code NEPTUNE used in this study enables a dynamic pipe whip structural analysis that accommodates large displacements and nonlinear material characteristics. The results of the study indicate that a whipping GDH pipe would not significantly damage adjacent walls or piping and would not result in a propagation of pipe failures.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy (US)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 795878
• Report Number(s): ANL/RAE/CP-107664
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
ACCIDENTS
CONCRETES
COOLANTS
DESIGN
DISTRIBUTION
ECCS
MANUFACTURING
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
PIPE WHIP
PIPELINES
REACTOR SAFETY
TRANSIENTS