Design Life Simulation of a PCRV

A nonlinear three-dimensional finite element program was used to analyze the prestressed concrete reactor vessel (PCRV) of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. The various loading conditions were selected to simulate the 40-year design life of the vessel. The computer program was developed to consider the nonlinear behavior of concrete, including cracking, crushing, and creep; the elasto-plastic behavior of steel liner plates; prestressing effects due to unbonded tendons and circumferential prestress. The program theory has been described elsewhere. This paper deals with the application of the program to the study of a PCRV. The vessel's response to various normal, abnormal, and extreme loading conditions are discussed together with the approaches taken to assess the safety against failure.