Studies on the Seismic Buckling Design Guideline of FBR Main Vessels. 1st Report. Outline of the Seismic Buckling Design Guideline.

Abstract

FBR uses liquid sodium as a primary coolant and is characterized by operation at high temperatures (380°C thru 550°C) and under atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the main vessels are essentially required to cope with thermal stresses in their structural design. To reduce such stresses, it is necessary to make the vessel walls as thin as possible. This makes it essential to study the stability of reactor structures against buckling under earthquake loadings. The purpose of the present study is to establish a rational seismic buckling design guideline by making a comprehensive survey of buckling data which will be of definite importance in securing the seismic stability of FBR main vessels. The study started in FY 1987 has been progressing toward completion in FY 1993. In this 1st report, we describe the conceptual background and the outline of the seismic buckling design guideline.