Some studies of the response of pre-stressed containments for PWR to earthquakes, gas cloud explosions and aircraft crash

A case is made for the use of simplified analytical models in the assessment of PWR containment structures. Examples of the use of such models are given which include aircraft impact, gas cloud explosion and earthquake analysis. It is concluded that simple models can be very useful for preliminary investigations in these fields, but a cautionary note regarding the introduction of errors is sounded. It is emphasized that the engineer must understand the importance of the simplifying assumptions before proceeding to draw general conclusions. (orig.)