ESDU Nuclear Plant Mechanical/Structural Design

Validated data, procedures and software, endorsed by Professional Institutions, are provided for the use in the mechanical/structural design, safety assessment and maintenance/operation of nuclear facilities. The information presented in this Segment can be used to carry out the stress analysis of the various components of a nuclear plant. Stress concentration and fatigue data are also included. The latter are for many low and high alloy and stainless steels made to US, UK, European and other specifications. The fracture mechanics data include both crack propagation rates, many down to threshold, and fracture toughness values. All information on stresses, deflections, stiffness and buckling loads is applicable to metals and other isotropic materials such as glass, rubber or plastic.

The Metallic Materials Data Handbook has been prepared to meet design requirements of structural metallic materials properties for both the designer and the customer. The methods of analysis and materials data provided are monitored and guided by ESDU Panel M with the approval of the Civil Aviation Authority, Safety Regulation Group. The Handbook is recognised as a valuable source of materials data by the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC).

The Mechanism Series covers methods and data for the design and analysis of cams, gears, linkages and Geneva mechanisms, and also includes contact stress estimation. The Tribology Series covers methods and data for the design, analysis and selection processes associated with lubricants, lubrication, friction, wear and bearings.

To assess acoustic fatigue life, knowledge of the natural vibration characteristics of the structure is required. Data on the natural frequencies of plate, box and shell structures are included.