Analysis of a 1:8 scale steel containment model subject to internal static pressurization

The Containment Integrity Division at Sandia National Laboratories is investigating the response of nuclear containments subjected to loads that could arise during severe accidents. As part of this program, a 1:8 scale steel containment model has been built and will be tested to determine the response due to overpressurization. This experimental model contains several prototypical penetrations including personnel lock representations, operable equipment hatches, a constrained pipe penetration, and other pipe penetrations. Pretest predictions of the response of the experimental model to static overpressurization have been obtained using finite element methods. Analyses of a ring stiffened shell with (1) no penetrations, (2) a personnel lock, (3) an equipment hatch, and (4) a constrained pipe penetration are discussed. Each of the models represents a different circumferential segment of the experimental model. The response of the ring stiffened shell with no penetrations is compared to the response of the ring stiffened shell with penetrations, and conclusions are made regarding the effect of penetrations on containment behavior. Leakage around the 0 ring seal in the equipment hatch assembly is discussed