Papers by Keyword: Steam Generator Tubes

Abstract: In this paper, conservatisms of current plugging criteria on steam generator tubes are reviewed and six new failure prediction models for dual through-wall cracks are proposed. In order to determine the optimum ones among these local or global failure prediction models, a series of plastic collapse tests and corresponding finite element analyses are carried out with respect to two adjacent axial through-wall cracks in thin plates. Then, reaction force model, plastic zone contact model and COD (Crack Opening Displacement) base model were selected as the optimum ones for integrity assessment of steam generator tubes with dual cracks.

Abstract: Wear damage of steam generator tubes for nuclear power plants can cause the leakage of radioactive substances. Therefore, the evaluation of integrity and safety for tubes is very important from the viewpoint of nuclear ecocide. In the present study, to investigate the wear properties of Inconel 600 and 690 steam generator tube materials mated with 409 stainless steel commonly used as support plate, sliding wear tests were performed with increasing sliding distance in air and in elevated temperature water environment, respectively. The wear volume of tube materials was less than those of supports under all conditions. There were no significant differences in the wear behavior for the Inconel 600 and 690 tubes, independently of the testing environment.

Abstract: Wear damage of steam generator tubes of nuclear power plants can cause leakage of radioactive substances. So the evaluation of tubes’ integrity is very important from the viewpoint of nuclear ecocide. In the present study, sliding wear behaviors of Inconel 600 and 690 steam generator tube materials mated with 409 stainless steel commonly used as the support plate were investigated at room temperature in an air environment. For more precise prediction of wear behaviors of steam generator tubes, Archard equation was modified, and the modified wear coefficients were estimated as a function of sliding distance. When using the modified Archard equation, the reliabilities for prediction of wear behavior of Inconel 600 and 690 mated with 409 stainless steel increased from 71.8% to 83.8% and from 60.2% to 85.2%, respectively.