Recent experimental research into buckling design methods for FBR components

The main objectives of buckling research at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are stated. Previous and present buckling research programs for the development of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) are outlined and some new findings are reviewed from the standpoint of buckling design codes. Because of the need for an improved buckling method, research has been carried out to understand the buckling and collapse behaviors of thin-walled shell structures peculiar to FBR components. To keep pace with recent trends in structural design codes, and based on the buckling and collapse behaviors peculiar to structural elements of FBR components, rational design methods against structural instability should be established. (author)