Structural integrity assessment procedure of PCSG unit block using homogenization method

Abstract

In this paper, a procedure for evaluating the structural integrity of the PCSG (Printed Circuit Steam Generator) unit block is presented with a simplified FE (finite element) analysis technique by applying the homogenization method. The homogenization method converts an inhomogeneous elastic body into a homogeneous elastic body with same mechanical behaviour. This method is effective when the inhomogeneous elastic body has repetitive microstructures, and thus the method was applied to the sheet assembly among the PCSG unit block components. From the method, the homogenized equivalent elastic constants of the sheet assembly were derived. The validity of the determined material properties was verified by comparing the mechanical behaviour with the reference model. Thermo-mechanical analysis was then performed to evaluate the structural integrity of the PCSG unit block, and it was found that the contact region between the steam header and the sheet assembly is a critical point where large bending stress occurs due to the temperature difference.

Keywords

• Structural integrity
• PCSG
• Homogenization method
• FE analysis