Nonlinear structural analysis methods and their application to elevated temperature design: A US perspective

Abstract

Technological advances over the last two decades have been assimilated into the routine design of Liquid Metal Reactor (LMR) structural components operating at elevated temperatures. The mature elevated temperature design technology is based upon: (a) an extensive material data base, (b) recent advances in nonlinear computational methods, and (c) conservative design criteria based upon past successful and reliable operating experiences with petrochemical and nonnuclear power plants. This survey paper provides a US perspective on the role of nonlinear analysis methods used in the design of LMR plants. The simplified and detailed nonlinear analysis methods and the level of computational effort required to qualify structural components for safe and reliable long-term operation are discussed. The paper also illustrates how a detailed nonlinear analysis can be used to resolve technical licensing issues, to understand complex nonlinear structural behavior, to identify predominant failure modes, and to guide future experimental programs.