The core of a pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) consists of a large number of fuel channels. These fuel channels are connected to the feeder pipes through which the heavy water flows and transports heat from the reactor core to the steam generators. The feeder pipes are several hundreds in number. They run close to each other with small gaps and have several bends. Thus they represent a complex piping system. Under seismic loading, the adjacent feeder pipes may impact each other. In this paper a simplified procedure has been established to assess such impacting effects. The results of the proposed analysis include bending moment and impact force, which provide the stresses due to impacting effects. These results are plotted in nondimensional form so that they could be utilized for any set of feeder pipes. The procedure used for studying the impacting effects includes seismic analysis of individual feeder pipes without impacting effects, selection of pipes for impact analysis, and estimating their maximum impact velocity. Based on the static and dynamic characteristics of the selected feeder pipes, the maximum bending moment, impact force, and stresses are obtained. The results of this study are useful for quick evaluation of the impacting effects in feeder pipes.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Heavy water reactors, Pipes, Power stations, Fuels, Stress, Boilers, Flow (Dynamics), Heat, Piping systems, Seismic analysis, Water
1.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 1983 Edition, Section III, Div. 1.
2.
Garcia, J. L., et al., 1983, “Experimental Studies of Pipe Impact on Rigid Restraints and Concrete Slabs,” Paper No. F2/1, 7th SMIRT Conference, Chicago, IL, Aug.
3.
Ting, E. C, et al., 1979, “Dynamics of Component Support Impact—An Elastic Analysis,” Nuclear Engineering and Design, Vol. 52.
4.
Borsoi, L., and Thomas, J. P., 1983, “Influence of Gaps on Seismic Behaviour of the Primary System Behaviour of a PWR,” Paper No. F4/7, 7th SMIRT Conference, Chicago, IL, Aug.
5.
Clendening, W. R., et al., 1983, “Pipe Whip Experiments Involving Impacts Between Pipes,” Paper No. F2/2, 7th SMIRT Conference, Chicago, IL, Aug.
6.
Kumar, R., 1986, “Impacting of Pipes on Elastic Supports,” ASME JOURNAL OF PRESSURE VESSEL TECHNOLOGY, Nov.
7.
Roark, R. J., and Young, W. C, Formulas for Stress and Strain, Fifth Edition, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, NY.
This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright © 1996
 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
You do not currently have access to this content.