Thermal Stress Analysis of Nonuniformly Heated Cylindrical Shell and Its Application to a Steam Generator Membrane Wall

Abstract

A method has been developed which accurately predicts the thermal stresses and deformations in a nonuniformly heated cylindrical shell and has been applied to a steam generator membrane wall. The analysis is based on the theory of thermoelasticity and treats the membrane wall as a repetitive geometry. The tube and membrane are treated separately and are later joined, satisfying continuity. The analysis is also applicable to drums, nozzles, shells, and other cylindrical vessels as long as the temperture is steady and independent of the longitudinal axis of the geometry. Through the use of this method the thermal stresses can readily be calculated and thus assist in the establishment of flow rates, heat input or flux levels, circuit configuration, and material selection. In addition it provides the information to evaluate the effects of the inside heat transfer coefficient and variations in tube and web geometries on the thermal stresses.