Pipe whip and impact

Over the past few years changes in economic and safety considerations in nuclear power plants have resulted in a need to examine the problem of pipe whip in greater detail. Consequently, experimental programmes were set up in France, North America and Britain. Results from these tests combined with analytical work indicate that pipe whip followed by impact with surrounding pipework and structures may not be as serious as had been believed. Impact loads have been found to be much less (at least five times) than those predicted to the appropriate design regulations. Hence, the use of pipe whip restraints may have been overconservative. The use of fewer, better designed restraints, would result in greater accessibility of pipework, a reduced need for inspection of restraints, and a considerable financial saving. (author)