History, Philosophy, & Background of Section III, & Development of ASME Code Rules for Nuclear Vessels

Keyword(s):  
Author(s):  
Ho-Sang Shin ◽  
Jin-Ki Hong ◽  
Koo-Kab Chung ◽  
Hae-Dong Chung ◽  
Gwang-Yil Kim ◽  
...  

As the design life of new nuclear power plant increases, the austenitic stainless cladding integrity of reactor vessel becomes one of the new concerns. Since 1970’s, there have been some specific recommendations on delta ferrite content of austenitic cladding of reactor vessels and welds. It has been known that the delta ferrite is beneficial for reducing micro-fissure in welds, though the high delta ferrite content increases the probability of embrittlment of welds. In this study, the mechanical and microstructural properties of austenitic weld metals with the limit values of the recommended range (5 ∼ 18 FN) of the delta ferrite control on low alloy steels were characterized by using bending test and scanning electron microscopy. The base metal was ASME Code Sec. II specification SA 508 Gr. 3 Cl. 1 plate and weld materials were EQ308L and EQ309L strips. Four kinds of cladding were deposited with submerged arc welding process on SA508 cl.3 plates. The bending tests were performed through ASME code Sec. IX and the microstructure of fractured surfaces was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In bending tests, there were no fractures except the highest delta ferrite content specimens (28FN). From the SEM observation of fractured surfaces, cracks initiated from the interface between austenite and ferrites phases in the cladding layer and propagated through the continuous interfaces between two phases. For specimens without continuous interfaces of two phases, though the cracks were observed in the interface of phases, the propagation of cracks was not observed. From the test results, continuous interfaces between austenite matrix and ferrite phase provide the path for crack propagation. And the delta ferrite content affects the integrity of cladding of reactor vessel.


1977 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Bloom ◽  
W. A. Van Der Sluys

This paper evaluates eight different analytical procedures used in determining elastic stress intensity factors for gradient or nonlinear stress fields. From a fracture viewpoint, the main interest in this problem comes from the nuclear industry where the safety of the nuclear system is of concern. A fracture mechanics analysis is then required to demonstrate the vessel integrity under these postulated accident conditions. The geometry chosen for his study is that of a 10-in. thick flawed plate with nonuniform stress distribution through the thickness. Two loading conditions are evaluated, both nonlinear and both defined by polynomials. The assumed cracks are infinitely long surface defects. Eight methods are used to find the stress intensity factor: 1–maximum stress, 2–linear envelope, 3–linearization over the crack length from ASME Code, Section XI, 4–equivalent linear moment from ASME Code, Section III, Appendix G for thermal loadings, 5–integration method from WRC 175, Appendix 4 for thermal loadings, 6–8-node singularity (quarter-point) isoparametric element in conjunction with the displacement method, 7–polynomial method, and 8–semi-infinite edge crack linear distribution over crack. Comparisons are made between all eight procedures with the finding that the methods can be ranked in order of decreasing conservatism and ease of application as follows: 1–maximum stress, 2–linear envelope, 3–linearization over the crack length, 4–polynomial method, and 5–singularity element method. Good agreement is found between the last three of these methods. The remaining three methods produce nonconservative results.


Author(s):  
Mien Yip ◽  
Brent Haroldsen

The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) was developed by Sandia National Laboratories for the US Army Product Manager for Non-Stockpile Chemical Materiel (PMNSCM) to destroy recovered, explosively configured, chemical munitions. PMNSCM currently has five EDS units that have processed over 1,400 items. The system uses linear and conical shaped charges to open munitions and attack the burster followed by chemical treatment of the agent. The main component of the EDS is a stainless steel, cylindrical vessel, which contains the explosion and the subsequent chemical treatment. Extensive modeling and testing have been used to design and qualify the vessel for different applications and conditions. The high explosive (HE) pressure histories and subsequent vessel response (strain histories) are modeled using the analysis codes CTH and LS-DYNA, respectively. Using the model results, a load rating for the EDS is determined based on design guidance provided in the ASME Code, Sect. VIII, Div. 3, Code Case No. 2564. One of the goals is to assess and understand the vessel’s capacity in containing a wide variety of detonation sequences at various load levels. Of particular interest are to know the total number of detonation events at the rated load that can be processed inside each vessel, and a maximum load (such as that arising from an upset condition) that can be contained without causing catastrophic failure of the vessel. This paper will discuss application of Code Case 2564 to the stainless steel EDS vessels, including a fatigue analysis using a J-R curve, vessel response to extreme upset loads, and the effects of strain hardening from successive events.


2007 ◽  
Vol 353-358 ◽  
pp. 373-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Jun Gao ◽  
Xiao Ping Shi ◽  
Hong Yan Liu ◽  
Jin Hong Li

A key problem in engineering application of “design by analysis” approach is how to decompose a total stress field obtained by the finite element analysis into different stress categories defined in the ASME Code III and VIII-2. In this paper, we suggested an approach to separate primary stress with the principle of superposition, in which the structure does not need to be cut into primary structure but analyzed as a whole only with decomposed load. Taking pressurized cylindrical vessel with plate head as example, the approach is demonstrated and discussed in detail. The allowable load determined by the supposed method is a little conservative than that determined by limited load analysis.


Author(s):  
Kunio Hasegawa ◽  
David Dvorak ◽  
Vratislav Mares ◽  
Bohumir Strnadel ◽  
Yinsheng Li

Abstract Fully plastic failure stresses for circumferentially surface cracked pipes subjected to tensile loading can be estimated by means of limit load criteria based on the net-section stress approach. Limit load criteria of the first type (labelled LLC-1) were derived from the balance of uniaxial forces. Limit load criteria of the second type are given in Section XI of the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineering) Code, and were derived from the balance of bending moment and axial force. These are labelled LLC-2. Fully plastic failure stresses estimated by using LLC-1 and LLC-2 were compared. The stresses estimated by LLC-1 are always larger than those estimated by LLC-2. From the literature survey of experimental data, failure stresses obtained by both types of LLC were compared with the experimental data. It can be stated that failure stresses calculated by LLC-1 are better than those calculated by LLC-2 for shallow cracks. On the contrary, for deep cracks, LLC-2 predictions of failure stresses are fairly close to the experimental data. Furthermore, allowable circumferential crack sizes obtained by LLC-1 were compared with the sizes given in Section XI of the ASME Code. The allowable crack sizes obtained by LLC-1 are larger than those obtained by LLC-2. It can be stated that the allowable crack size for tensile stress depends on the condition of constraint of the pipe, and the allowable cracks given in Section XI of the ASME Code are conservative.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1164 ◽  
pp. 67-75
Author(s):  
Iuliana Duma ◽  
Alin Constantin Murariu ◽  
Aurel Valentin Bîrdeanu ◽  
Radu Nicolae Popescu

The paper presents and compares the results on the reliability and remaining life assessment of a reactor (coxing box) from a petrochemical plant. The reactor shell is made of 16Mo5 (W1.5423) steel, with a thickness of 25 mm, plated with 3 mm thick X6CrAl13 (W1.4002) stainless steel. The assessment was made in two steps. For preliminary remnant life assessment, specifications of section VII of the ASME code was used followed by iRiS‑Thermo expert system. Further, experimental creep and metallographic replica analysis were performed. Results comparison of the two methods applied revealed a reduction of the preliminary estimated remaining live obtained using metallographic replica analysis. Based on the results obtained, the possibility to extend the service duration of the coxing box in the safety condition, using current process parameters, with of 20.000 hours was highlighted.


Author(s):  
William J. O’Donnell ◽  
Amy B. Hull ◽  
Shah Malik

Since the 1980s, the ASME Code has made numerous improvements in elevated-temperature structural integrity technology. These advances have been incorporated into Section II, Section VIII, Code Cases, and particularly Subsection NH of Section III of the Code, “Components in Elevated Temperature Service.” The current need for designs for very high temperature and for Gen IV systems requires the extension of operating temperatures from about 1400°F (760°C) to about 1742°F (950°C) where creep effects limit structural integrity, safe allowable operating conditions, and design life. Materials that are more creep and corrosive resistant are needed for these higher operating temperatures. Material models are required for cyclic design analyses. Allowable strains, creep fatigue and creep rupture interaction evaluation methods are needed to provide assurance of structural integrity for such very high temperature applications. Current ASME Section III design criteria for lower operating temperature reactors are intended to prevent through-wall cracking and leaking and corresponding criteria are needed for high temperature reactors. Subsection NH of Section III was originally developed to provide structural design criteria and limits for elevated-temperature design of Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) systems and some gas-cooled systems. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and its Advisory Committee for Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) reviewed the design limits and procedures in the process of reviewing the Clinch River Breeder Reactor (CRBR) for a construction permit in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and identified issues that needed resolution. In the years since then, the NRC, DOE and various contractors have evaluated the applicability of the ASME Code and Code Cases to high-temperature reactor designs such as the VHTGRs, and identified issues that need to be resolved to provide a regulatory basis for licensing. The design lifetime of Gen IV Reactors is expected to be 60 years. Additional materials including Alloy 617 and Hastelloy X need to be fully characterized. Environmental degradation effects, especially impure helium and those noted herein, need to be adequately considered. Since cyclic finite element creep analyses will be used to quantify creep rupture, creep fatigue, creep ratcheting and strain accumulations, creep behavior models and constitutive relations are needed for cyclic creep loading. Such strain- and time-hardening models must account for the interaction between the time-independent and time-dependent material response. This paper describes the evolving structural integrity evaluation approach for high temperature reactors. Evaluation methods are discussed, including simplified analysis methods, detailed analyses of localized areas, and validation needs. Regulatory issues including weldment cracking, notch weakening, creep fatigue/creep rupture damage interactions, and materials property representations for cyclic creep behavior are also covered.


Author(s):  
Omesh K. Chopra

The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code provides rules for the construction of nuclear power plant components and specifies fatigue design curves for structural materials. However, the effects of light water reactor (LWR) coolant environments are not explicitly addressed by the Code design curves. Existing fatigue strain–vs.–life (ε–N) data illustrate potentially significant effects of LWR coolant environments on the fatigue resistance of pressure vessel and piping steels. This paper reviews the existing fatigue ε–N data for austenitic stainless steels in LWR coolant environments. The effects of key material, loading, and environmental parameters, such as steel type, strain amplitude, strain rate, temperature, dissolved oxygen level in water, and flow rate, on the fatigue lives of these steels are summarized. Statistical models are presented for estimating the fatigue ε–N curves for austenitic stainless steels as a function of the material, loading, and environmental parameters. Two methods for incorporating environmental effects into the ASME Code fatigue evaluations are presented. Data available in the literature have been reviewed to evaluate the conservatism in the existing ASME Code fatigue design curves.


2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Dixon ◽  
E. H. Perez

The available design formulas for flat heads and blind end closures in the ASME Code, Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2 are based on bending theory and do not apply to the design of thick flat heads used in the design of high pressure vessels. This paper presents new design formulas for thickness requirements and determination of peak stresses and stress distributions for fatigue and fracture mechanics analyses in thick blind ends. The use of these proposed design formulas provide a more accurate determination of the required thickness and fatigue life of blind ends. The proposed design formulas are given in terms of the yield strength of the material and address the fatigue strength at the location of the maximum stress concentration factor. Introduction of these new formulas in a nonmandatory appendix of Section VIII, Division 3 is recommended after committee approval.


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