Thermal stresses in reactor shells due to γ-irradiation

Abstract

This paper gives methods of calculating the temperatures and stresses in shells forming the pressure vessel or thermal shield of a nuclear reactor. It is assumed that the γ-ray currents are known on the inner surface of the shell. The heating and stress effects are considered, with particular reference to (a) Temperature boundary conditions, (b) Limitations of the flat slab approximation to the stresses in hollow cylinders and spheres.