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Sandia National Laboratories cask drop test programme: a demonstration of fracture mechanics principles for the prevention of brittle fracture

Abstract

Sandia National Laboratories recently completed a cask drop test programme. The aims of the programme were (1) to demonstrate the applicability of a fracture mechanics-based methodology for ensuring cask integrity, and (2) to assess the viability of using a ferritic materials for cask containment. The programme consisted of four phases: (i) materials characterisation; (ii) non-destructive examination of the cask; (iii) finite element analyses of the drop events; and (iv) a series of drop tests of a ductile iron cask. The first three phases of the programme provided information for fracture mechanics analyses and predictions for the drop test phase. The drop tests were nominally based upon the IAEA 9 m drop height hypothetical accident scenario although one drop test was from 18 m. All tests were performed in the side drop orientation at a temperature of -29{sup o}C. A circumferential, mid-axis flaw was introduced into the cask body for each drop test. Flaw depth ranged from 19 to 76 mm. Steel saddles were welded to the side wall of the cask to enhance the stresses imposed upon the cask in the region of the introduced flaw. The programme demonstrated the applicability of a fracture mechanics methodology for predicting the conditions  More>>
Authors:
McConnell, P; Sorenson, K B [1] 
  1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Publication Date:
Sep 01, 1995
Product Type:
Journal Article
Report Number:
CONF-9410134-
Reference Number:
SCA: 420204; PA: AIX-26:063429; EDB-95:131241; SN: 95001458050
Resource Relation:
Journal Name: International Journal of Radioactive Materials Transport; Journal Volume: 6; Journal Issue: 2-3; Conference: Brittle fracture safety assessment, Krefeld (Germany), 27-28 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1995
Subject:
42 ENGINEERING NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CATEGORIES; CASKS; FRACTURE MECHANICS; CAST IRON; CRACK PROPAGATION; FRACTURE PROPERTIES; IMPACT TESTS
OSTI ID:
100507
Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
Language:
English
Other Identifying Numbers:
Journal ID: IJRTER; ISSN 0957-476X; TRN: GB9501347063429
Submitting Site:
GBN
Size:
pp. 159-163
Announcement Date:
Oct 04, 1995

Citation Formats

McConnell, P, and Sorenson, K B. Sandia National Laboratories cask drop test programme: a demonstration of fracture mechanics principles for the prevention of brittle fracture. United Kingdom: N. p., 1995. Web.
McConnell, P, & Sorenson, K B. Sandia National Laboratories cask drop test programme: a demonstration of fracture mechanics principles for the prevention of brittle fracture. United Kingdom.
McConnell, P, and Sorenson, K B. 1995. "Sandia National Laboratories cask drop test programme: a demonstration of fracture mechanics principles for the prevention of brittle fracture." United Kingdom.
@misc{etde_100507,
title = {Sandia National Laboratories cask drop test programme: a demonstration of fracture mechanics principles for the prevention of brittle fracture}
author = {McConnell, P, and Sorenson, K B}
abstractNote = {Sandia National Laboratories recently completed a cask drop test programme. The aims of the programme were (1) to demonstrate the applicability of a fracture mechanics-based methodology for ensuring cask integrity, and (2) to assess the viability of using a ferritic materials for cask containment. The programme consisted of four phases: (i) materials characterisation; (ii) non-destructive examination of the cask; (iii) finite element analyses of the drop events; and (iv) a series of drop tests of a ductile iron cask. The first three phases of the programme provided information for fracture mechanics analyses and predictions for the drop test phase. The drop tests were nominally based upon the IAEA 9 m drop height hypothetical accident scenario although one drop test was from 18 m. All tests were performed in the side drop orientation at a temperature of -29{sup o}C. A circumferential, mid-axis flaw was introduced into the cask body for each drop test. Flaw depth ranged from 19 to 76 mm. Steel saddles were welded to the side wall of the cask to enhance the stresses imposed upon the cask in the region of the introduced flaw. The programme demonstrated the applicability of a fracture mechanics methodology for predicting the conditions under which brittle fracture may occur and thereby the utility of fracture mechanics design for ensuring cask structural integrity by ensuring an appropriate margin of safety. Positive assessments of ductile iron for cask containment and the quality of the casting process for producing ductile iron casks were made. The results of this programme have provided data to support IAEA efforts to develop brittle fracture acceptance criteria for cask containment. (author).}
journal = []
issue = {2-3}
volume = {6}
journal type = {AC}
place = {United Kingdom}
year = {1995}
month = {Sep}
}