PVP2006-ICPVT11-93645 CALANDRIA TUBE TO TUBESHEET ROLLER-EXPANDED JOINT QUALIFICATION

ABSTRACT The complex calandria tube to calandria tubesheet roller-expanded joint in CANDU nuclear reactors is usually qualified by test. In this paper, a state-of-the-art numerical simulation is undertaken in order to improve the understanding of the behaviour of the joint to support design modifications and provide assurance that the test rig envelopes behaviour of the in-situ reactor assembly. Parameters such as hoop stress, and plastic deformation of the assembly are predicted. The analysis results are also compared with the available test data and insitu experimental data. The analysis results show that the test performed to qualify the joint using a small plate and single joint is representative of the in-situ reactor configuration