Finite Element Cracking Analysis of Nuclear Containment Vessels Under External Impacts

This paper attempts to examine the behavior of nuclear containment vessels under impact loads. Three-dimensional dynamics finite element analysis is proposed. The analysis includes the non-linear behavior of concrete, structural damping and cracking. A combination of solid isoparametric, panel and line elements representing vessel concrete, steel lining, and prestressing tendons or conventional steel, respectively, is suggested. Three-dimensional computer program OBAID is developed which gives time-dependent interactive calculations for stresses, deflections, cracks, reinforcement and suitable wall and dome thicknesses. An existing concrete containment vessels for pressurized water reactor (PWR) is examined under aircraft crash load.