Seismic Analysis of the Reflective Metal Insulation for Thermal Shielding of Main Equipments of Nuclear Power Plants

This paper deals with the seismic qualification of the reflective metal insulation for thermal shielding that is installed on the outer surfaces of the main equipment of the primary coolant system of a nuclear power plant. A small-scale model of the reactor pressure vessel, which has equivalent dynamic characteristics, was designed to be tested in domestic seismic testing facilities in the future. In this study, seismic analysis of the small-scale model installed with metal insulation was performed using equivalent static analysis and response spectrum analysis. The required Response Spectrum for main equipment of the primary coolant system of APR-1400 plant were considered to establish the enveloping response spectrum, which was applied to the seismic analysis model. The results from two seismic analysis methods were compared to show the structural adequacy of the metal insulator design against a safe shutdown earthquake. This study will form the basis for the seismic testing to support the seismic qualification of the reflective metal insulator.