Steam Generator Strength Computation for Nuclear Electric Power Plants of a Low Power

Today, the world oversees an explosive development of the nuclear power stations (NPS) of a low power. Most projects deal with pressurized water reactors and as a matter of fact with steam generators (SG). Ukraine has a well-developed engineering industry backbone that can be used for the production of the equipment required for the nuclear power plants of a low power. This scientific paper delves into the computations of the strength of elements used for the monotube steam generator with cylindrical coils that is the most presentable of all the projects in question in IAEA materials. Appropriate methods were developed to perform structural computations and steam generator strength computations. The mathematical model was developed that allows us to perform strength computations of the SG elements making use of the analytical method with reference to the Regulations and do simulations using the ANSYS software code. The specified elements include the body elements, in particular the cylindrical part, the flange, the bottom and the cover, including the heat carrier branch pipe and heat exchange tubes. The comparison of the data obtained by both methods showed their similarity and accordingly, the accuracy of the data that are indicative of the need for an increase in the wall thickness of the cylindrical part of the external branch pipe intended for the heat carrier. The body bottom strain for calculated dimensions exceeds the permissible value by 1.56 %. Since this value is 5 % lower than permissible values it is deemed that the strength condition is passed through. The simulation proved that the strength conditions are met for heat exchange tubes, for the body, the body cover, the body flange, the conical part of the external branch pipe intended for the heat carrier. Based on the analysis done, we would like to recommend performing strength computations using the normative method with the subsequent check out by the simulation using the computer code.