Hydro-mechanical stability of slip-fit joints in the light-water-breeder-reactor vessel (LWBR Development Program)

An experimental program was conducted to determine the hydro-mechanical stability of slip-fit joints with water flowing through an annular gap. Tests were performed while varying the radial gap width, insertion length, pipe stiffness, eccentricity and exit flow geometry. The results provide an experimental basis from which stable slip-fit joints can be designed over a range of variables related to the safety injection system piping of the Light Water Breeder Reactor installed in the Shippingport Atomic Power Station.