Recent developments in the finite element analysis of prestressed concrete reactor vessels

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design 1974-01, Vol.28 (1), p.42-75
• Main Authors: Argyris, J.H., Faust, G., Szimmat, J., Warnke, E.P., Willam, K.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0029-5493; 1872-759X
• DOI: 10.1016/0029-5493(74)90088-0

This paper describes recent developments in the nonlinear deformation and ultimate load analysis of prestressed concrete reactor vessels using finite elements. First, a number of finite element models are called into attention for the idealization of composite structures such as reinforced and prestressed concrete components. Then different inelastic constitutive models are proposed for the behaviour of concrete in the pre- and post-failure regime. Subsequently various numerical techniques are examined for the solution of nonlinear problems, especially with regard to their distortion of the constitutive model. In conclusion these modelling techniques are applied to the analysis of four typical examples, the nonlinear deformation analysis of a concrete specimen subjected to biaxial compression, the crack analysis of a thick-walled concrete cylinder, the overload analysis of the THTR 1 : 5 scale model, and the ultimate load analysis of a concrete top closure model.