Optimization of the size and shape of the set-in nozzle for a PWR reactor pressure vessel

Stress intensity factors of corner cracks at set-in nozzle–cylinder intersection of a PWR reactor pressure vessel

“…2 Problem description 2.1 Geometry of the RPV Figure 1 depicts a typical double-loop cylindrical reactor pressure vessel [10] of a 300 megawatts (MW) pressurized water reactor. Figure 1a shows the cut-section view through the set-in and the set-out nozzles of the RPV; while Fig.…”

“…Reactor pressure vessel (RPV) [1,2] is one of the important components used in the primary loop of the PWR. The RPV is a 'class 1' of the power plant according to the definition of ASME code [3].…”

Fracture analysis of the set-in nozzle of a PWR reactor pressure vessel – Part 1: Determination of critical crack

“…The fracture mechanics analysis of different parts of the RPV under normal operating conditions [1][2][3] is quite straight forward; however the analysis becomes critical under accidental conditions of the plant. In this paper, the fracture analysis of the set-in nozzle of an RPV is being presented under accidental conditions of the plant [4]. The considered RPV is made of nuclear grade steel 'SA-508 Gr.3 Cl.1' [5] and it belongs to a 300 Megawatts (MW) pressurized water reactor (PWR) [4].…”

“…In this paper, the fracture analysis of the set-in nozzle of an RPV is being presented under accidental conditions of the plant [4]. The considered RPV is made of nuclear grade steel 'SA-508 Gr.3 Cl.1' [5] and it belongs to a 300 Megawatts (MW) pressurized water reactor (PWR) [4].…”

“…For the fracture analysis the highest stress concentration point (HSCP) of the nozzle, under normal operating conditions of the plant [1,4] is selected: the nozzle-cylinder intersection. A wide range of corner surface cracks has been analyzed at the nozzle-cylinder intersection under the accidental conditions.…”