Loose-part damage

Experiments and analytical methods were used to develop models that describ e loose part impact damage. Single impact damage volume was characterized a s a function of impact energy and contact shape. The deformation volume for multiple, overlapping impacts was used to define work hardening. Integrate d impact damage experiments were conducted at representative pressurized wa ter reactor steam generator inlet flow velocity using a target plate that r epresented a section of a steam generator tube sheet. Data from the integra ted impact tests were used to develop an empirical relationship for tube en d open diameter reduction as a function of loose part energy and accumulate d impact density. Monte-Carlo programs were developed to investigate the tu be sheet impact density distribution and the penetration of tube end welds. The results provide insight with respect to single and multiple impact dam age mechanisms and methods that can be used to predict steam generator tube sheet accumulated impact damage. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.