Dynamic buckling test using 1/10 scale model of pool type LMFBR structure

In Japan, one of the critical issues in the seismic design of a pool type LMFBR is considered to be the evaluation of the buckling strength for a main vessel. In the technical assessment studies on the pool type LMFBR, shear buckling characteristics of the main vessel, as a simple cylindrical shell, were investigated through experiments and analyses. However, in the actual LMFBR structure, not only shape and material properties in the main vessel, but also interaction effects of internal components and fluid in the main vessel can significantly affect the dynamic buckling behavior of the main vessel. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the dynamic buckling strength for the main vessel and to investigate the effects of internal components and fluid on the buckling responses of the pool type LMFBR by using a similar scale model for a FBR structure. This paper presents experimental and analytical results for the preliminary dynamic buckling tests using the feasibility study 1/10 scale model in the above mentioned first step study