Finite element methods in the analysis of reactor vessels

The application of the finite element method to linear and non-linear problems in pressure vessel technology is presented. New developments for dealing with components such as liners, prestressing cables and reinforcement are outlined and some improvements possible in thin shell situations are discussed. A general solution technique for non-linear analysis is presented and applied firstly to the problem of the plastic behaviour of steel pressure vessels. The failure of PCRVs by concrete cracking is then considered. Finally, the time-dependent phenomenon of creep is discussed. In all cases the theory is illustrated by practical examples.