This paper describes the dynamic strength evaluation of piping installed in nuclear power plants from a viewpoint of energy balance. Mechanical structures installed in nuclear power plants such as piping and equipment are usually designed statically in elastic region. Although these mechanical structures have sufficient seismic safety margin, comprehending the ultimate strength is very important in order to improve the seismic safety reliability in unexpected severe earthquakes. In this study, ultimate strength of a simple single-degree-of-freedom model is investigated from a viewpoint of energy balance equation that is one of valid methods for structural calculation. The investigation is implemented by forced vibration experiment. In the experiment, colored random wave having predominant frequency that is similar to natural frequency of the experimental model is input. Stainless steel and carbon steel are selected as material of experimental model. Excitation is continued until the experimental model is damaged, and is carried out with various input levels. As a result of the experiment, it is confirmed that input energy for failure increase with an increase of time for failure. Additionally it is confirmed that input energy for failure depend on the material.
Seismic safety evaluation during site selection for the nuclear power plants in Bangladesh
