Theoretical study of aircraft impact on reactor containment structures

Abstract In containment design there is a requirement to protect the reactor system from the effects of external hazards and hence it is necessary to provide suitable wall thicknesses. Experimental work undertaken by the UKAEA is being carried out as a general study and this paper describes some theoretical studies for the particular case of an aircraft impact. The theoretical study utilizes a finite difference dynamic code based upon dynamic relaxation initially developed for static problems The code models concrete, reinforcement and prestressing throughout the short term non-linear range. Concrete is assumed to have a limited tensile stress capacity, coupled with a shear carrying capacity which is dependent upon the aggregate and crack size. In addition a yield condition can be specified to allow for triaxial stress states both initial and subsequent to failure. The paper briefly describes the theory and makes comparisons for different concrete thicknesses.