Loose-part damage

Abstract

Experiments and analytical methods were used to develop models that describe loose part impact damage. Single impact damage volume was characterized as a function of impact energy and contact shape. The deformation volume for multiple, overlapping impacts was used to define work hardening. Integrated impact damage experiments were conducted at representative pressurized water reactor steam generator inlet flow velocity using a target plate that represented a section of a steam generator tube sheet. Data from the integrated impact tests were used to develop an empirical relationship for tube end open diameter reduction as a function of loose part energy and accumulated impact density. Monte-Carlo programs were developed to investigate the tube sheet impact density distribution and the penetration of tube end welds. The results provide insight with respect to single and multiple impact damage mechanisms and methods that can be used to predict steam generator tube sheet accumulated impact damage.