A Practical Analysis Framework for Assessment of Printed Circuit Heat Exchangers in High Temperature Nuclear Service

Author(s):  
Avinash Shaw ◽  
Heramb Mahajan ◽  
Tasnim Hassan

Abstract Printed Circuit Heat Exchangers (PCHEs) have high thermal efficiency because of the numerous minuscule channels. These minuscule channels result in a high thermal exchange area per unit volume, making PCHE a top contender for an intermediate heat exchanger in high-temperature reactors. Thousands of minuscule channels make finite element analysis of the PCHE computationally infeasible. A two-dimensional analysis is usually performed for the PCHE core, which cannot simulate the local channel level responses reasonably because of the absence of global constraint influence. At present, there is no analysis technique available in the ASME Code or literature that is computationally efficient and suitable for engineers to estimate PCHE local responses. A novel but practical two-step analysis framework is proposed for performing PCHE analysis. In the first step, the channeled core is replaced by orthotropic solids with similar stiffness to simulate the global thermomechanical elastic responses of the PCHE. In the second step, local submodel analysis with detailed channel geometry and loading is performed using the elastic-perfectly plastic material model. The proposed two-step analysis technique provides a unique capability to estimate the channel corner responses to be used for PCHE performance assessment. This study first developed a methodology for calculating the elastic orthotropic properties of the PCHE core. Next, the two-step analysis is performed for a realistic size PCHE core, and different issues observed in the results are scrutinized and resolved. Finally, a practical finite element analysis framework for PCHEs in high-temperature nuclear service is recommended.

2001 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J Hardy ◽  
M. K Pipelzadeh ◽  
A. R Gowhari-Anaraki

This paper discusses the behaviour of hollow tubes with axisymmetric internal projections subjected to combined axial and internal pressure loading. Predictions from an extensive elastic and elastic-plastic finite element analysis are presented for a typical geometry and a range of loading combinations, using a simplified bilinear elastic-perfectly plastic material model. The axial loading case, previously analysed, is extended to cover the additional effect of internal pressure. All the predicted stress and strain data are found to depend on the applied loading conditions. The results are normalized with respect to material properties and can therefore be applied to geometrically similar components made from other materials, which can be represented by the same material models.


2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanghai (John) Wang ◽  
Samuel Rodriguez

In fitness for service (FFS) assessments, one issue that people often encounter is a corroded area near a structural discontinuity. In this case, the formula-based sections of the FFS standard are incapable of evaluating the component without resorting to finite element analysis (FEA). In this paper, an FEA-based technical approach for evaluating FFS assessments using an elastic-plastic material model and reformed criteria is proposed.


Author(s):  
Hao Gong ◽  
Jianhua Liu

Finite element analysis has been regarded as an effective research method for analyzing the loosening failure of bolted joints under vibration. However, there exist some factors, which influence the accuracy and reliability of loosening results, thus determining the explanations of the loosening mechanism. In this study, a 3D finite element model of a typical bolted joint was built to investigate the effects of several different factors on the loosening under transverse vibration loading. These influencing factors include preload generation, vibration parameter, and material model. Based on the simulation results, it was found that applying the method of pretension element to generate preload instead of the actual method of torque was reliable and efficient. For the vibration parameter, it showed that the decrease rate in preload was higher for a larger vibration amplitude. But once the bearing surface reached complete slip, the loosening rate would keep constant. This was because the thread surface at that time reached a sticking state. Vibration frequency was proved to have no effect on the loosening behavior. This result demonstrated that the quasi-static assumption for vibration frequency was reasonable. Additionally, it also indicated that plastic material models only affected the preload loss in the initial several vibration cycles and had no influence on the loosening rate of preload after several vibration cycles. Finally, experiments were conducted to confirm qualitatively the results obtained based on finite element analysis.


1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
S J Hardy ◽  
M K Pipelzadeh

This paper describes the results of a study of the elastic–plastic behaviour of short flat bars with projections subjected to monotonic and cyclic axial loading using finite element analysis. The results are complementary to similar results for (a) shear loading and (b) combined axial and shear loading. Six geometries are considered and elastic–plastic stress and strain data for both local and remote restraints are presented. These geometries and associated restraints result in elastic stress concentration factors in the range 1.69–4.96. A simple bilinear elastic–plastic material model is assumed and the results are normalized with respect to material properties so that they can be applied to geometrically similar components made from other materials which can be represented by the same material models.


2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Nasdala ◽  
Y. Wei ◽  
H. Rothert ◽  
M. Kaliske

Abstract It is a challenging task in the design of automobile tires to predict lifetime and performance on the basis of numerical simulations. Several factors have to be taken into account to correctly estimate the aging behavior. This paper focuses on oxygen reaction processes which, apart from mechanical and thermal aspects, effect the tire durability. The material parameters needed to describe the temperature-dependent oxygen diffusion and reaction processes are derived by means of the time–temperature–superposition principle from modulus profiling tests. These experiments are designed to examine the diffusion-limited oxidation (DLO) effect which occurs when accelerated aging tests are performed. For the cord-reinforced rubber composites, homogenization techniques are adopted to obtain effective material parameters (diffusivities and reaction constants). The selection and arrangement of rubber components influence the temperature distribution and the oxygen penetration depth which impact tire durability. The goal of this paper is to establish a finite element analysis based criterion to predict lifetime with respect to oxidative aging. The finite element analysis is carried out in three stages. First the heat generation rate distribution is calculated using a viscoelastic material model. Then the temperature distribution can be determined. In the third step we evaluate the oxygen distribution or rather the oxygen consumption rate, which is a measure for the tire lifetime. Thus, the aging behavior of different kinds of tires can be compared. Numerical examples show how diffusivities, reaction coefficients, and temperature influence the durability of different tire parts. It is found that due to the DLO effect, some interior parts may age slower even if the temperature is increased.


1999 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Law ◽  
W. Payten ◽  
K. Snowden

Modeling of welded joints under creep conditions with finite element analysis was undertaken using the theta projection method. The results were compared to modeling based on a simple Norton law. Theta projection data extends the accuracy and predictive capability of finite element modeling of critical structures operating at high temperature and pressure. In some cases analyzed, it was found that the results diverged from those gained using a Norton law creep model. [S0094-9930(00)00601-6]


1981 ◽  
Vol 18 (01) ◽  
pp. 51-68
Author(s):  
Donald Liu ◽  
Abram Bakker

Local structural problems in ships are generally the result of stress concentrations in structural details. The intent of this paper is to show that costly repairs and lay-up time of a vessel can often be prevented, if these problem areas are recognized and investigated in the design stages. Such investigations can be performed for minimal labor and computer costs by using finite-element analysis techniques. Practical procedures for analyzing structural details are presented, including discussions of the results and the analysis costs expended. It is shown that the application of the finite-element analysis technique can be economically employed in the investigation of structural details.


Author(s):  
Brian Rose ◽  
James Widrig

High temperature piping systems and associated components, elbows and bellows in particular, are vulnerable to damage from creep. The creep behavior of the system is simulated using finite element analysis (FEA). Material behavior and damage is characterized using the MPC Omega law, which captures creep embrittlement. Elbow elements provide rapid yet accurate modeling of pinching of piping, which consumes a major portion of the creep life. The simulation is used to estimate the remaining life of the piping system, evaluate the adequacy of existing bellows and spring can supports and explore remediation options.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document