Sensitivity Analysis of Finite Element Parameters for Estimating Residual Stress of J-Groove Weld in RPV CRDM Penetration Nozzle

Investigation on the effects of geometric variables on the residual stresses and PWSCC growth in the RPV BMI penetration nozzles

“…The material property variations vs. temperature such specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, elastic modulus, and yielding strength were determined from ASME B&PV Code, Sec.II [17], the previous study results [18,19], and the certificated material test records (CMTR). The material property variations were presented in the paper of Bae et al [13].…”

“…Bae et al [13] conducted detailed FE simulations in order to predict the magnitudes of the weld residual stresses in the control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) penetration nozzles and to investigate effects of the FE analysis and welding variables on the welding residual stresses. Kim and Seo [14] investigated effects of various finite element analysis variables on PWSCC assessment results for the PWSCCs detected in a steam generator drain line nozzle.…”

“…The previous studies have been widely performed about welding residual stresses and PWSCC growth of the various primary components [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) [4] derived residual stress distributions in the dissimilar metal butt weld of the various primary component nozzles such pressurizer surge nozzle and RPV outlet nozzle via finite element (FE) analyses, and investigated effects of inner repair welding, overlay welding and external piping loads on the residual stresses via parametric analysis.…”