Analytical method to estimate cross-section stress profiles for reactor vessel nozzle corners under internal pressure

Abstract

This paper provides a simple method by which to estimate the cross-section stress profiles for nozzles designed according to ASME Code Section III. Further, this method validates the effectiveness of earlier work performed by the authors on standard nozzles. The method requires only the geometric information of the pressure vessel and the attached nozzle. A PWR direct vessel injection nozzle, a PWR outlet nozzle, a PWR inlet nozzle and a BWR recirculation outlet nozzle are selected based on their corresponding specific designs, e.g., a varying nozzle radius, a varying nozzle thickness and an outlet nozzle boss. A cross-section stress profile comparison shows that the estimates are in good agreement with the finite element analysis results. Differences in stress intensity factors calculated in accordance with ASME BPVC Section XI Appendix G are discussed. In addition, a change in the dimensions of an alternate nozzle design relative to the standard values is discussed, focusing on the stress concentration factors of the nozzle inside corner.