Numerical simulation of an equipment hatch for a steel containment vessel to loading beyond the design basis

Abstract

A preliminary analysis of the sealing deformations of a large equipment hatch with a pressure-seated gasket due to overpressurization was performed. An axisymmetric finite element analysis of the penetration sleeve revealed that its surface can undergo large rotations; values for sealing surface rotation of 7/sup 0/ were computed. Estimates for the order of magnitude of leakage due to the sealing surface rotation were made. 10 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab