Yutaka Hagiwara

Outline of the seismic buckling design guideline of an FBR — a tentative draft

Abstract Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (Japan), commissioned by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, is carrying out the Demonstration Test and Research Program of Buckling of FBR (FY 1987-FY 1993). The first half of the research program was finished after establishing a seismic buckling design guideline (a tentative draft). The purpose of this paper is to describe the dynamic buckling characteristics of FBR main vessels and the outline of the rationalized buckling design guideline for seismic loadings.

Post-buckling behavior during earthquakes and seismic margin of FBR main vessels

Abstract Shaking-table tests of cylindrical shells were performed in order to examine the buckling and post-buckling characteristics of FBR main vessels under seismic shear loads. Static buckling tests were also performed, and it is confirmed that there is no significant difference between the static and dynamic load-displacement relations. Based on the test results, hysteresis rules of restoring force were formulated for both elastic and plastic shear-buckling. Non-linear dynamic-response analyses of the single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system were then carried out by using the hysteresis rules. The analyses were able to simulate the dynamic test results, especially energy-absorption capacity due to hysteresis behavior. Finally, the non-linear SDOF analysis was applied to the FBR main-vessel cylinder. It is pointed out that the hysteresis behavior could absorb a considerable amount of energy input from seismic motion, which would contribute to the seismic margin of FBR main vessels.

Dynamic buckling experiments of fluid-structure-coupled co-axial thin cylinder

The purpose of this paper is to clarify dynamic buckling behaviours such as buckling mode and buckling pressure for thin cylindrical shells immersed in fluid subjected to seismic excitations. For this purpose, dynamic buckling experiments of thin cylindrical shells placed inside a rigid liquid container are carried out using a shaking table. These shells and the container are intended to represent thermal baffles and a main vessel of a fast breeder reactor, respectively. The fluid pressure caused by horizontal excitation induces buckling deformation which involves flower-shaped deformation, which is a type of external pressure buckling. The buckling pressure is measured with various types of the test cylinders under seismic excitations and this pressure is confirmed to agree with static buckling pressure predicted by static buckling analysis. It is also found that sub-harmonic vibration occurs under a certain sinusoidal excitation inducing a sudden increase in response displacement at a lower pressure level than the buckling pressure under seismic excitations. Based on these experiments, it is pointed out that, in seismic design, to prevent the buckling of thermal baffles, static buckling analyses can be used as long as sub-harmonic vibration does not occur.

Pseudo-dynamic buckling experiments on thin cylindrical shells under biaxial seismic loads

A buckling design research program has been carried out to establish seismic design guidelines for a fast breeder reactor. In doing so, the buckling strength of the cylindrical part of the reactor vessel of a fast breeder reactor under horizontal and vertical seismic loads has been clarified. The effects of axial loads on the horizontal seismic responses in pre- and post-buckling states of thin cylindrical shells are investigated. Pseudo-dynamic buckling experiments are performed to study the dynamic buckling characteristics of thin cylindrical structures when subjected to seismic loads. The buckling tests use model cylinders made of an aluminum plate and a biaxial loading test apparatus. The axial seismic loads reduce the lateral load-carrying capacity of the shells in the pre- and post-buckling regions so that they amplify the horizontal response displacement. An amplification factor that accounts for the effects of the vertical loads is presented and its validity is verified experimentally.

Visual and Versatile Hybrid Seismic Testing System Incorporated With Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis

Hybrid simulation/testing systems have been developed incorporating a non-linear finite element method with a pseudo-dynamic test. In order to ensure stability and efficiency for time integration, the incremental formulation of the α-OS method has been implemented on this system. Visualization system has also been integrated to recognize both numerical simulation for whole systems and laboratory testing for local parts. Numerical hybrid examinations of the soil structure interaction problem have been conducted on this system. By these results, validity and effectiveness of this system has been demonstrated.Copyright

Verification Test for Hybrid Seismic Experimental Method Using Nonlinear Finite Element Method

An improved substructure hybrid seismic experimental method has been developed. This method consists of numerical computations using a general-purpose nonlinear finite element analysis tool and a pseudo-dynamic vibration test. Therefore, it enables seismic testing of large-scale structures that cannot be loaded onto a shaking table. The method also visualizes both data measured by sensors placed on the specimen and the results of the numerical analysis, and it helps us to understand the behavior of an entire structure consisting of a specimen and a numerical model. We performed verification tests for a piping system, in which we used a numerical model including supports, valves, and a branch pipe, and a specimen including two elbows. As results of tests, we conclude that the developed system has enough accuracy to be used as a seismic testing method.Copyright