Antiwhip Measures for High-Energy Piping in Nuclear Power Plants Using Lead Extrusion Impact Damping Devices: Tests and Simulations

In this study, the antiwhip capability of high-energy piping in nuclear power plants was investigated based on the basement structure of a conventional island in a nuclear power engineering project. A lead extrusion impact damping device was developed, and its mechanical performance was validated through uniaxial static loading tests. A 1:4 scaled-down test model was designed and fabricated using traditional energy-dissipating steel beams, lead extrusion impact damping, and concrete blocks as three types of antiwhip restraining devices. Impact test studies were conducted supplemented by destructive impact tests without antiwhip restraining devices. Finite element models were established using Ansys LS-DYNA simulation software, and simulations were conducted for these four scenarios. The antiwhip performances of different antiwhip measures were evaluated by comparing the test and finite element simulation results and considering factors such as the impact force, wall displacement, wall acceleration, and crack distribution and development. The results indicate that while traditional energy-dissipating steel beams continue to provide some antiwhip effectiveness, the lead extrusion impact damping solution exhibits a significantly improved performance with better control of the structural dynamic response. In contrast, the concrete block solution demonstrated a poorer performance, leading to severe damage in structures like those without antiwhip restraining devices.