Our Case Studies Seismic analysis of an AGR gas baffle

As a result of a periodic safety review of an advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) gas baffle safety case, a requirement was identified for establishing structural integrity in the gas baffle and circulator outlet gas duct (COGD) under a reference earthquake with a zero period acceleration of 0.14g corresponding to an annual probability of exceedance of 10^-4. EASL undertook a fracture mechanics assessment and an ASME III design code assessment of the critical components under pressure, temperature, static/dynamic mechanical loads and seismic loading. The stresses and strains obtained from this study were subsequently used to demonstrate that the AGR gas baffle design was fit-for-purpose when subject to the reference earthquake.