State of the Art Seismic Analysis for CANDU Reactor Structure Components Using Condensation Method

Abstract

The reactor structure assembly seismic analysis is a relatively complex process because of the intricate geometry with many different discontinuities, and due to the hydraulic attached mass which follows the structure during its vibration. In order to simulate reasonably accurate behaviour of the reactor structure assembly, detailed finite element models are generated and used for both modal and stress analysis. Guyan reduction condensation method was used in the analysis. The attached mass, which includes the fluid mass contained in the components plus the added mass which accounts for the inertia of the surrounding fluid entrained by the accelerating structure immersed in the fluid, was calculated and attached to the vibrating structures. The masses of the attached components, supported partly or totally by the assembly which includes piping, reactivity control units, endfittings, etc. are also considered in the analysis.