Modeling of 3-D thickness distribution of a head plate based on forming process simulation analysis

Abstract

In nuclear plants the head plate constitutes a part of the boundary of the containment vessel (CV), therefore, it is a very important issue if the function as the boundary is maintained or not in the case of severe accident (SA). Buckling and post-buckling behaviors of the head plate subjected to pressure load are affected by the thickness distribution of the head plate. In this paper a creation of 3-D thickness distribution of the head plate based on forming process simulation analysis was tried and the perspective of the modeling of 3-D thickness distribution of a head plate was discussed in comparison with the measured thickness distribution of the tested head plate specimen.