Post-calculation of a feed water pipe break at the Loviisa nuclear power plant

Arja Saarenheimo, Lauri Eerikäinen, Rauli Keskinen

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    A dynamic post-calculation is presented for a sudden pipe break which occurred in the main feed water system of the VVER 440 type PWR plant Loviisa 2 on February 25, 1993. A thermal hydraulic code TMOC, based on the method of characteristics, is first used to determine the induced rapid two phase fluid transients. The The resulting pressure and momentum flux histories are then applied as an excitation in a nonlinear structural dynamic analysis which makes use of the general purpose finite element code ABAQUS. The permanent relative displacement of the broken pipe ends is finally compared with the value observed after the event. An underestimate of some 30% may for the most part be attributed to scant experimental data and uncertainties in boundary conditions. Assumptions regarding impact against a nearby beam structure and the dynamic stress-strain curve of the ferritic pipe material strongly affect this comparison.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationTransactions of the 13th International Conference on Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology
    Subtitle of host publicationDivision F: Pressure vessels and piping; Division G: Fracture mechanics and fatigue; Division L: Materials behaviour in continuum mechanics
    EditorsM.M. Rocha, J.D. Riera
    Place of PublicationRio Grande do Sul
    PublisherUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
    Pages181-186
    Volume2
    ISBN (Print)978-85-7025-350-7
    Publication statusPublished - 1995
    MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
    Event13th International Conference on Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology - Porto Alegre, Brazil
    Duration: 13 Aug 199518 Aug 1995

    Conference

    Conference13th International Conference on Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology
    Country/TerritoryBrazil
    CityPorto Alegre
    Period13/08/9518/08/95

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