Estimation of Spring-Back of Single Torus Inner Vessel Sector by Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Inner vessel in reactor assembly of sodium cooled fast reactor separates hot and cold pool sodium. The shape of inner vessel is optimized with reduced upper & lower shell diameters and toroidal redan for future Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR). This results in higher buckling strength and reduced thickness and hence reduced weight. To achieve the intricate toroidal shape with specified dimensional tolerances, a comprehensive technology development exercise was carried out successfully for the manufacture of inner vessel 30° sector. The achieved profile of the redan meets the specified dimensions and other design requirements. Spring-back observed in the sector was small. To verify the developmental exercise results, a finite element analysis (FEA) of forming of inner vessel sector was performed on finite element software ABAQUS. In this paper, FEA results and spring back are discussed. Spring back assessed is maximum at the center and relatively lower towards the edges for the redan with the chosen radius of 5980 mm.