Ceramic pressure vessel internals/socketed support columns

The HTR/PNP reactors - of a mean rated power (> 300 MWel) - need a radial support of the core structure by means of elastic elements, in order to avoid irreversible damage to the bottom structure due to cumulation of cracks. The resilience forces are led into the core bottom structure via the lower part of the side reflector, which has to respond to the radial, thermally induced movements of the bottom. Above the bottom part, the resilience forces are taken up by the pressure load bearing capacity of the lateral wall. Due to different warming and cooling velocities of the bottom structure and side reflector, radial movements occur within the lateral wall. The socketed support columns are to react to these movements, and bear the upper part of the side reflector, so that the movements can be realised without additional elastic forces as there are no frictional forces to be taken into account. (orig.)