A combined testing and analysis approach to nuclear equipment qualification

This paper describes the procedures and methods used to determine if a safety-related HVAC control panel for a nuclear power plant meets both seismic and hydrodynamic load requirements. The finite element analysis of the panel was performed using the Engineering Analysis Language (EAL) program. Topics considered include seismic stress analysis, the modal test procedure (fixturing, resonance survey, excitation position survey, excitation position selection, damping survey), the transmissibility test procedure, and the instrument response spectra. The results indicate that the combined testing and analysis method using digital signal processing/modal testing and finite element techniques is a viable approach to the seismic qualification of Class 1E equipment. It is shown that low-level excitation tests and corresponding damping studies can justify the use of required response spectra with higher damping values