Evaluation of structure integrity of the lifting handle of CRB

• Published in: International journal of pressure vessels and piping Vol. 85; no. 9; pp. 600 - 605
• Main Authors: Wu, Szu-Ying, Lin, Sue-Ray, Kang, Long-Chyuan, Chang, Han-Jou
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Industrial metrology. Testing; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Physics; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Finite element method; Control rod; Hole; Nuclear power plant; Structure integrity; Safety; Modeling; Visual control; Crack
• ISSN: 0308-0161; 1879-3541
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpvp.2008.04.005

Since visual inspection was applied to inspect the control rod blades (CRBs) of nuclear power plants in Taiwan, indications have been found in areas such as roller-pin hole, sheath and tie-rod of CRB. Many preliminary safety analyses with conservative assumptions have been conducted to endorse the continuing operation of the units. The objective of this study is to evaluate the structural integrity of those CRBs during lifting operation. Detailed finite element models of the lifting handle of the CRB are built with emphasis on the postulated crack near the roller-pin hole. Both the D-215 type CRB and the Marathon type CRB are evaluated. It is concluded that the structural integrity is guaranteed even under the worst postulated situation.