PWR pressure vessel stress analysis with axisymmetric model and harmonic loading

The stress analysis of a PWR pressure vessel under postulated concentrated loads is presented. The vessel was modeled with four nodded axisymmetric solid shell elements with harmonic load capacity. The vessel torispherical head was included in the model, but its evaluation is not within the scope of this work. The loads considered in the analyses were: internal pressure, dead weight, bolt-tightening, seismic load, and some postulated concentrated loads, that were modeled by Fourier Series. From the axisymmetric model, the stress results were taken at appropriate circumferential positions and, for each position, the stresses were linearized sections along the vessel for verification according to the ASME Code. (author). 4 refs., 13 figs., 1 tab