Properties of Cladding With Respect to RPV Integrity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milan Brumovský
Keyword(s):  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Primary Circuit ◽  
Vessel Wall Thickness ◽  
Anticorrosion Protection ◽  
Pressurized Thermal Shock ◽  
Inner Surface ◽  
Circuit Components ◽  
Vessel Resistance ◽  
Fast Fracture

Abstract Inner surface of most of primary circuit components in PWR/BWR/WWER type reactors is covered by austenitic cladding that serves primarily as anticorrosion protection. This is also supported by the requirements for stress analysis of the vessel by most of the codes — austenitic cladding is not taken into account in the calculation of vessel wall thickness and on allowance of stress intensities for operating conditions. Its effect is taken, in some codes like for WWER components, in fatigue calculation and also for evaluation of vessel resistance against fast fracture during pressurized thermal shock (PTS) events.

Verification of Warm Prestressing Effect Under a Pressurized Thermal Shock (PTS) Event

1994 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Okamura ◽  
G. Yagawa ◽  
T. Hidaka ◽  
Y. Urabe ◽  
M. Satoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Irradiation Embrittlement ◽  
Predictive Equations ◽  
Warm Prestressing ◽  
Pressurized Thermal Shock ◽  
Reactor Steels ◽  
Fracture Tests ◽  
Integrity Analysis ◽  
Temperature Margin ◽  
Reactor Pressure

Fracture tests for the verification of WPS (warm prestressing) effect were carried out by using large flat specimens and big compact specimens with low toughness. In the case of monotonical KI increasing during cooling, the specimen broke within the scatter band of KIC. On the other hand, when KI was decreasing during cooling, the specimens did not break even if KI values were beyond the scatter band of KIC. That is, WPS effect was confirmed even for the low toughness steel like reactor pressure vessel wall under neutron irradiation. Also, KI values at fracture can be predicted by Chell’s theory. By applying WPS effect and the predictive equations for irradiation embrittlement for Japanese PWR reactor steels to the PTS integrity analysis, much more temperature margin can be expected.

Fractal Analysis for Vibrational Signals Created in a Ball-Screw Machine Operating in Short- and Long-Range Tribological Tests

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-Chi Chang ◽  
Jeng Luen Liou ◽  
Chin-Chung Wei ◽  
Jeng-Haur Horng ◽  
Yueh-Ling Chiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Range ◽  
Fractal Analysis ◽  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Ball Screw ◽  
Frictional Torque ◽  
A Value ◽  
Vibrational Signals ◽  
Inner Surface ◽  
Range Test

In the present study, the vibrational and frictional torque signals acquired from the forward-backward movements of a commercial ball-screw system were considered via mono fractal analysis. The short-range tests were carried out in order to investigate the effects of operating conditions, a nut's inner surface roughness and the applied pretension (preload) on the fractal dimension (Ds) and topothesy (G). The long-range test was conducted to observe the variations of vibrational and frictional torque signals and thus the fractal parameters acquired from the ball-screw operations under the condition of no fresh grease supply during the testing process. The effects of the ball-screw rotational speed and pretension on the G parameter of vibrations were greater than the Ds parameter. In the backward movement, the highest G value always occurred at the highest rotational speed (3000 rpm in this study). The Ds parameter generated in the forward movement by the nut's inner surface before polishing produced a value greater than that by the nut with a polished surface. The G parameter related to vibrational amplitudes showed a value before polishing greater than that after polishing. The unusual vibrational signals are assumed to be related to ball passing behavior. Their experimental frequency was verified to be consistent with the frequency predicted by the ball pass theory. An increase in the rotational speed can bring a significant increase in the number of ball-pass signals. The G parameter and its skewness data, defined for the number distribution function of the G peaks, showed values that in general increased with the test time if the fresh grease was not supplied during the long-range test.

scholarly journals A neutralizing IL-11 antibody reduces vessel hyperplasia in a mouse carotid artery wire injury model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Schumacher ◽  
Elisa A. Liehn ◽  
Pakhwan Nilcham ◽  
David Castaño Mayan ◽  
Chutima Rattanasopa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Neointimal Hyperplasia ◽  
Endothelial Injury ◽  
Collagen Content ◽  
Arterial Stenosis ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ◽  
Vessel Wall Thickness ◽  
Artery Disease

AbstractVascular restenosis remains a major problem in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Neointimal hyperplasia, defined by post-procedure proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a key underlying pathology. Here we investigated the role of Interleukin 11 (IL-11) in a mouse model of injury-related plaque development. Apoe−/− mice were fed a hyperlipidaemic diet and subjected to carotid wire injury of the right carotid. Mice were injected with an anti-IL11 antibody (X203), IgG control antibody or buffer. We performed ultrasound analysis to assess vessel wall thickness and blood velocity. Using histology and immunofluorescence approaches, we determined the effects of IL-11 inhibition on VSMC and macrophages phenotypes and fibrosis. Treatment of mice with carotid wire injury using X203 significantly reduced post-endothelial injury vessel wall thickness, and injury-related plaque, when compared to control. Immunofluorescence staining of the injury-related plaque showed that X203 treatment did not reduce macrophage numbers, but reduced the number of VSMCs and lowered matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) levels and collagen content in comparison to control. X203 treatment was associated with a significant increase in smooth muscle protein 22α (SM22α) positive cells in injury-related plaque compared to control, suggesting preservation of the contractile VSMC phenotype. Interestingly, X203 also reduced the collagen content of uninjured carotid arteries as compared to IgG, showing an additional effect on hyperlipidemia-induced arterial remodeling in the absence of mechanical injury. Therapeutic inhibition of IL-11 reduced vessel wall thickness, attenuated neointimal hyperplasia, and has favorable effects on vascular remodeling following wire-induced endothelial injury. This suggests IL-11 inhibition as a potential novel therapeutic approach to reduce arterial stenosis following revascularization in CAD and PAD patients.

Atherosclerosis: Carotid vessel wall thickness and aortic stiffness compared to stenosis class in peripheral arterial disease

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. e38-e39
Author(s):  
Harrie CM van den Bosch ◽  
Jos JM Westenberg ◽  
Wikke Setz-Pels ◽  
Alette Daniels-Gooszen ◽  
Lucien EM Duijm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Arterial Disease ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Aortic Stiffness ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Vessel Wall Thickness ◽  
Carotid Vessel Wall ◽  
Peripheral Arterial ◽  
Carotid Vessel

Towards Non-Invasive Pressure Assessment

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Bijnens ◽  
Bart Beulen ◽  
Peter Brands ◽  
Marcel Rutten ◽  
Frans van de Vosse
Keyword(s):  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Vessel Diameter ◽  
Local Pressure ◽  
Vessel Wall Thickness ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Vascular Impedance ◽  
Vessel Wall Properties ◽  
Invasive Techniques

In clinical practice, ultrasound is frequently applied to non-invasively assess blood velocity, blood volume flow and blood vessel wall properties such as vessel wall thickness and vessel diameter waveforms. To convert these properties into relevant biomechanical properties that are related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as elastic modulus and compliance of the vessel wall, local pressure has to be assessed simultaneously with vessel wall thickness and vessel diameter waveforms. Additionally, accurate estimates of vascular impedance (transfer function between pressure and blood flow) can be a valuable tool for the estimation of the condition of the vessel, e.g., to diagnose stenosis. Studies of arterial impedance in humans, however, are hampered by the lack of reliable non-invasive techniques to simultaneously record pressure and flow locally as a function of time. Local pressure assessment together with flow has great potential for improving the ability to diagnose and monitor CVD.

Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Growth Function and Progression Simulation Using Meshless GFD and Statistical Methods Based on Multi-Year In Vivo MRI

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Yang ◽  
Joseph D. Petruccelli ◽  
Zhongzhao Teng ◽  
Chun Yuan ◽  
Gador Canton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atherosclerotic Plaque ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Plaque Rupture ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Tracking Data ◽  
Plaque Progression ◽  
Vessel Wall Thickness ◽  
Plaque Growth

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture and progression have been the focus of intensive investigations in recent years. The mechanisms governing plaque progression and rupture process are not well understood. Using computational models based on patient-specific multi-year in vivo MRI data, our recent results indicated that 18 out of 21 patients studied showed significant negative correlation between plaque progression measured by vessel wall thickness increase (WTI) and plaque wall (structural) stress (PWS) [1]. In this paper, a computational procedure based on meshless generalized finite difference (MGFD) method and serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data was introduced to simulate plaque progression. Participating patients were scanned three times (T1, T2, and T3, at intervals of approximately 18 months) to obtain plaque progression data. Vessel wall thickness (WT) changes were used as the measure for plaque progression. Starting from T2 plaque geometry, plaque progression was simulated by solving the solid model and adjusting wall thickness using plaque growth functions iteratively until time T3 is reached. Numerically simulated plaque progression showed very good agreement with actual plaque geometry at T3 given by MRI data. We believe this is the first time plaque progression simulation results based on multi-year patient-tracking data are reported. Multi-year tracking data and MRI-based progression simulation add time dimension to plaque vulnerability assessment and will improve prediction accuracy.

Numerical Approach for the Consideration of Hold Time Effects

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven H. Reese ◽  
Johannes Seichter ◽  
Dietmar Klucke ◽  
H. Ertugrul Karabaki ◽  
Wolfgang Mayinger
Keyword(s):  
Hold Time ◽  
Austenitic Steels ◽  
Normal Operation ◽  
Primary Circuit ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Fatigue Lifetime ◽  
Time Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Surge Line ◽  
Circuit Components

In recent years the Environmentally Assisted Fatigue (EAF) became an item, which has to be considered additionally in terms of ensuring a conservative determination of the actual component’s health status resp. the CUF. For practical application, the consideration of the so called Fen-factor leads to the reduction of the admissible cycles in fatigue calculations. Beyond that the influence of elevated temperatures has been identified as one parameter having a negative influence on the admissible cycles as well. For example the German KTA 3201.2 defines for austenitic steels separate fatigue curves for temperatures above 80°C and for temperatures below 80°C. In summary on the one hand parameters influencing component’s lifetime negatively have to be considered in terms of conservative calculations. On the other hand, there are other parameters which influence the component’s fatigue lifetime in a positive manner. As such positive effects are neglected so far, CUF allowing for EAF tend to become over conservative leading to oversized components. Therefore, positive effects should be considered as well in the framework of a comprehensive and detailed analysis making sure not to overdesign components. When taking a closer look on the operational behavior of primary circuit components, fatigue loading is mainly defined by long steady-state periods with no significant changes in the loadings and by normally short outage periods with no thermal loading. For example fatigue of a PWR surge-line is mostly caused by short in-surge and out-surge events during start-up or shut-down of the plant. Normal operation transients mostly not cause fatigue relevant events in the surge-line. Fatigue of PWR spray-lines is primarily generated by very few spray-events during a one-year period of operation. Spray events are mainly caused by significant load ramps. Subsequently the fatigue status of primary circuit components is controlled by long periods with no fatigue relevant loading at operating temperature and few additional loading patterns in between. Experimental investigations have shown that hold time effects have a positive influence on fatigue lifetime of austenitic stainless steel materials. Anyhow, no quantification of these effects has been published in recent years. Within this publication an engineering based approach will be developed to quantify the hold time effect based on literature and published data. On the basis of a practical example the influence of hold time effects will be quantified and a direct comparison to lifetime reducing effect of EAF and temperature will be drawn.

Environmental Assisted Fatigue and EDF 900 MWe PWRs Fleet: Towards an Exemption of Environmental Effects Consideration for Secondary Circuit Components

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Cuvilliez ◽  
Gaëlle Léopold ◽  
Thomas Métais
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Fatigue Loading ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Fatigue Curve ◽  
Primary Circuit ◽  
Secondary Circuit ◽  
Technical Specifications ◽  
Circuit Components

Environmentally Assisted Fatigue (EAF) is receiving nowadays an increased level of attention for existing Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) as utilities are now working to extend their life. In the wake of numerous experimental fatigue tests carried out in air and also in a PWR environment, the French RCC-M code [1] has recently been amended (in its 2016 edition) with two Rules in Probatory Phase (RPP), equivalent to ASME code-cases, “RPP-2” and “RPP-3” [2] [3]. RPP-2 consists of an update of the design fatigue curve in air for stainless steels (SSs) and nickel-based alloys, and is also associated with RPP-3 which provides guidelines for incorporating the environmental penalty “Fen” factor in fatigue usage factor calculations. Alongside this codification effort, an EAF screening has recently been carried out within EDF DT [4] on various areas of the primary circuit of the 900 MWe plants of the EDF fleet. This screening led to the identification of a list of 35 “sentinel locations” which are defined as areas most prone to EAF degradation process. These locations will be subjected to detailed EAF analysis in the stress report calculations (according to the above-mentioned RCC-M code cases) for the fourth decennial inspection of the 900 MWe (VD4 900 MWe) power plants. The potential impact of EAF on the secondary circuit components is another question to address in anticipation of the VD4 900 MWe, as they may be considered as class 1 or class 2 equipment for RCC-M application according to the equipment specification. This paper presents the approach proposed by EDF towards an exemption of environmental effects consideration for secondary circuit components. The argument is first based on a review of experimental campaigns led in Japan and France (respectively on fatigue test specimens and at the component scale) which indicate a Dissolved Oxygen (DO) content threshold below which environmental effects are almost inexistent. The (conservative) value of 40 ppb has been selected consistently with NUREG/CR-6909 revision 0 [5]. The second part of the argument is built, on the one hand, on the analysis of the EDF Technical Specifications for Operation (STE) which narrows the scope of the study only to unit outages, and, on the other hand, on the analysis of 5 years of operations of all 900 MWe plants of the EDF fleet (equivalent to 170 reactor-years). It has been shown that the DO content rarely exceeded the 40 ppb threshold in the secondary coolant, and that in this case, the considered locations were not submitted to any fatigue loading.

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