COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN NUCLEAR REACTOR STRUCTURAL DESIGN FOR HIGH-TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS:nAN INTERPRETIVE REPORT

摘要

The status of the finite-element method as a basis for design analyses of nuclear reactor structures for elevated-temperature service is reviewed and assessed first, a general picture is given of procedures in analyses of the complete structural system from the view of the finite-element method, and then reviews are presented of two classes of elements important to nuclear reactor structures — solid elements and thin-shell elements Questions of inelastic analysis are discussed in chapters dealing with time-independent plasticity and time-dependent viscoelasticity and creep respectively Since the accuracy of design analysis for elevated-temperature conditions is dependent upon the analysis of heat transfer, the utilization of the finite-element method in this connection is also surveyed Finally, an examination is made of the role of the finite-element method in the relevant, but more peripheral, topics of dynamic, finite displacement (stability), and fracture mechanics analyses The report concludes with an assessment of the scope and limitations of finite-element analysis for the intended applications, based on the material covered in prior chapters.