Elevated temperature design of LMFBR components

High operating temperature (540degC), high temperature differentials and thermal shocks occurring in some of the components of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), produce both time-independent and time dependent inelastic deformations. The first part of the paper describes the design procedure using the 'elastic' routes of ASME code case N-47 and the French Code RCC-MR. Because of the conservatism in the code rules, sometimes it is not possible to meet them using elastic analysis, and detailed inelastic analysis, becomes necessary. The second part of the paper describes such an analysis carried out for PFBR inner vessel. (author). 5 refs., 16 figs