Theoretical and experimental determination of elbow stress in the primary coolant circuit of the A-1 nuclear power plant caused by sudden temperature drop

The scope is outlined of research efforts carried out to ensure reliability of the primary coolant circuit of the A-1 nuclear power plant. The system includes an atypical rectangular elbow with an unusual curvature. The series of experiments and detailed calculations yielded a design resistant to stress resulting from a sudden temperature drop. (author)