CA2778587A1 - Bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry - Google Patents
Bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry Download PDFInfo
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- CA2778587A1 CA2778587A1 CA2778587A CA2778587A CA2778587A1 CA 2778587 A1 CA2778587 A1 CA 2778587A1 CA 2778587 A CA2778587 A CA 2778587A CA 2778587 A CA2778587 A CA 2778587A CA 2778587 A1 CA2778587 A1 CA 2778587A1
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- bending moment
- tube portion
- assembly
- leverage members
- pair
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- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C17/00—Monitoring; Testing ; Maintaining
- G21C17/06—Devices or arrangements for monitoring or testing fuel or fuel elements outside the reactor core, e.g. for burn-up, for contamination
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C19/00—Arrangements for treating, for handling, or for facilitating the handling of, fuel or other materials which are used within the reactor, e.g. within its pressure vessel
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C3/00—Reactor fuel elements and their assemblies; Selection of substances for use as reactor fuel elements
- G21C3/30—Assemblies of a number of fuel elements in the form of a rigid unit
- G21C3/32—Bundles of parallel pin-, rod-, or tube-shaped fuel elements
- G21C3/334—Assembling, maintenance or repair of the bundles
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
- Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
- Bending Of Plates, Rods, And Pipes (AREA)
- Monitoring And Testing Of Nuclear Reactors (AREA)
Abstract
A bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry includes at least one pair of rigid leverage members for coupling with at least a portion of a tube. The radially inward portions of the members are secured to a tube portion outer surface. The members are axially spaced apart on the tube portion and extend radially away from the tube. A compliant bending moment actuator extends between radially outward portions of each pair of leverage members for applying force between the radially outward portions. Force between the outward portions displaces the outward portions relative each other for applying moment to the tube portion extending between the radially inward portions to compliantly deflect the tube. The bending moment assembly may be coupled with a mock-up assembly. The bending moment assembly may be coupled with an inner surface of the tube portion.
Description
BENDING MOMENT ASSEMBLY FOR SIMULATING AS
FOUND NUCLEAR REACTOR TUBE GEOMETRY
The present invention relates to a bending moment assembly for use in simulating deformation of tubes in a nuclear reactor as a result of operation of the nuclear reactor.
BACKGROUND
In a CANDUTM nuclear reactor, calandria tubes extend horizontally across the core of the calandria between end shields of the nuclear reactor. Each calandria tube extends between corresponding ones of the lattice tubes at each of the end shields. A
pressure tube is co-axially positioned within each one of the calandria tubes.
End fittings are connected with the pressure tubes. In a CANDU nuclear reactor, there may be as many as 480 calandria tubes and corresponding pressure tubes having opposite ends connected to an end fitting.
The pressure tubes and calandria tubes of a CANDU nuclear reactor are typically fabricated from zirconium alloy. During the life of the reactor, the zirconium alloy tubes are subject to different temperatures and pressures and are also subject to irradiation and neutron flux as a part of normal reactor operation. The tubes are supported or are fixed at either end and span approximately 20 feet through the reactor core, while the mid-portion of the tubes is unsupported. As a result of the forces and wear acting on the tubes, the tubes not only creep, but also suffer gradual and permanent deformation.
Deformation may be in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, or any combination thereof.
One form of deformation is known as "sag" and includes downward deflection of the tube in the vertical direction. Sagging of the pressure and calandria tubes may be as much as 3 to 4 inches.
In the past, the nuclear reactor industry has developed various simulation and mock-up devices for testing various aspects of the as found reactor design in a non-radioactive mock-up site or building located near the reactor. At these mock-up sites, tool testing, tool proving and tool correction can be performed prior to the tool being used in the radioactive environment of the nuclear reactor. However, deformation of the pressure tube and calandria tube is not sufficiently simulated in mock-up conditions.
Training and dress rehearsal activities for reactor inspection and maintenance activities are often performed using new straight tubes or rigidly deformed tubes, and as a result, do not adequately simulate deformation when preparing for field work.
Prior attempts to simulate sag type deformation of the pressure tubes and calandria tubes involve mechanically deflecting or deforming the tubes. One method was to plastically deform a new tube into the required profile. Another was to elastically deflect a new tube at the mid-point with weight or tensioning devices. Weights could be fastened along the length of the tube or a come-along or winch could apply tension to the tube. However, mechanically deflecting or deforming the tube is expensive, since a new tube must be used, and permanently deforms the tube resulting in only a single profile.
Several tube deformation profiles formed in this manner for a single project is very expensive. Also, minor kinking occurs in the tube, which can have an adverse effect on the tube cross section, and result in additional interferences that are not found in the field.
Elastically deflecting the tube with weight or tensioning devices is not expensive and does not permanently deform the tube. However, it does not produce a representative profile as applied loads can only be discreetly applied, and adds constraints to the tube so that it does not react normally to applied loads during testing and training.
In order to simulate the geometry of the target tube in the nuclear reactor environment, it is important to consider tube deformation and include this factor in the simulation operation. It is therefore desirable to provide a device for use in testing that simulates as found deformation profiles for pressure tubes and calandria tubes in the nuclear reactor environment in a cost-effective manner.
FOUND NUCLEAR REACTOR TUBE GEOMETRY
The present invention relates to a bending moment assembly for use in simulating deformation of tubes in a nuclear reactor as a result of operation of the nuclear reactor.
BACKGROUND
In a CANDUTM nuclear reactor, calandria tubes extend horizontally across the core of the calandria between end shields of the nuclear reactor. Each calandria tube extends between corresponding ones of the lattice tubes at each of the end shields. A
pressure tube is co-axially positioned within each one of the calandria tubes.
End fittings are connected with the pressure tubes. In a CANDU nuclear reactor, there may be as many as 480 calandria tubes and corresponding pressure tubes having opposite ends connected to an end fitting.
The pressure tubes and calandria tubes of a CANDU nuclear reactor are typically fabricated from zirconium alloy. During the life of the reactor, the zirconium alloy tubes are subject to different temperatures and pressures and are also subject to irradiation and neutron flux as a part of normal reactor operation. The tubes are supported or are fixed at either end and span approximately 20 feet through the reactor core, while the mid-portion of the tubes is unsupported. As a result of the forces and wear acting on the tubes, the tubes not only creep, but also suffer gradual and permanent deformation.
Deformation may be in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, or any combination thereof.
One form of deformation is known as "sag" and includes downward deflection of the tube in the vertical direction. Sagging of the pressure and calandria tubes may be as much as 3 to 4 inches.
In the past, the nuclear reactor industry has developed various simulation and mock-up devices for testing various aspects of the as found reactor design in a non-radioactive mock-up site or building located near the reactor. At these mock-up sites, tool testing, tool proving and tool correction can be performed prior to the tool being used in the radioactive environment of the nuclear reactor. However, deformation of the pressure tube and calandria tube is not sufficiently simulated in mock-up conditions.
Training and dress rehearsal activities for reactor inspection and maintenance activities are often performed using new straight tubes or rigidly deformed tubes, and as a result, do not adequately simulate deformation when preparing for field work.
Prior attempts to simulate sag type deformation of the pressure tubes and calandria tubes involve mechanically deflecting or deforming the tubes. One method was to plastically deform a new tube into the required profile. Another was to elastically deflect a new tube at the mid-point with weight or tensioning devices. Weights could be fastened along the length of the tube or a come-along or winch could apply tension to the tube. However, mechanically deflecting or deforming the tube is expensive, since a new tube must be used, and permanently deforms the tube resulting in only a single profile.
Several tube deformation profiles formed in this manner for a single project is very expensive. Also, minor kinking occurs in the tube, which can have an adverse effect on the tube cross section, and result in additional interferences that are not found in the field.
Elastically deflecting the tube with weight or tensioning devices is not expensive and does not permanently deform the tube. However, it does not produce a representative profile as applied loads can only be discreetly applied, and adds constraints to the tube so that it does not react normally to applied loads during testing and training.
In order to simulate the geometry of the target tube in the nuclear reactor environment, it is important to consider tube deformation and include this factor in the simulation operation. It is therefore desirable to provide a device for use in testing that simulates as found deformation profiles for pressure tubes and calandria tubes in the nuclear reactor environment in a cost-effective manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a bending moment assembly for use in simulating deformation of tubes in a nuclear reactor as a result of operation of the nuclear reactor.
In one aspect, there is provided a bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry. The bending moment assembly includes at least one pair of rigid leverage members for coupling with at least a portion of a tube. The leverage members extend radially away from the tube portion and are axially spaced apart and secured to an outer surface portion of the tube portion at radially inward portions of the leverage members. A compliant bending moment actuator extends between radially outward portions of each pair of leverage members for applying force between the radially outward portions. Application of force between the radially outward portions of the leverage members displaces the radially outward portions relative each other for applying bending moment to the tube portion extending between the radially inward portions. The moment compliantly deflects the tube portion. The bending moment assembly may be coupled with a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry. The bending moment assembly may also include a plurality of bending moment actuators and corresponding pairs of leverage members.
The bending moment assembly may be coupled with the outer surface of the tube portion in mutually independent short intervals of bending moment actuators and corresponding leverage members. In another aspect, the assembly includes a plurality of pairs of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators mutually independently positioned on the outer surface portion of the tube portion in a spiral array about a longitudinal axis of the tube portion.
The present invention relates to a bending moment assembly for use in simulating deformation of tubes in a nuclear reactor as a result of operation of the nuclear reactor.
In one aspect, there is provided a bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry. The bending moment assembly includes at least one pair of rigid leverage members for coupling with at least a portion of a tube. The leverage members extend radially away from the tube portion and are axially spaced apart and secured to an outer surface portion of the tube portion at radially inward portions of the leverage members. A compliant bending moment actuator extends between radially outward portions of each pair of leverage members for applying force between the radially outward portions. Application of force between the radially outward portions of the leverage members displaces the radially outward portions relative each other for applying bending moment to the tube portion extending between the radially inward portions. The moment compliantly deflects the tube portion. The bending moment assembly may be coupled with a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry. The bending moment assembly may also include a plurality of bending moment actuators and corresponding pairs of leverage members.
The bending moment assembly may be coupled with the outer surface of the tube portion in mutually independent short intervals of bending moment actuators and corresponding leverage members. In another aspect, the assembly includes a plurality of pairs of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators mutually independently positioned on the outer surface portion of the tube portion in a spiral array about a longitudinal axis of the tube portion.
The at least one pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator may be located on a first plane traversing a longitudinal axis of the tube portion.
At least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator may be located on a second plane traversing the longitudinal axis of the tube portion wherein the second plane is different from the first plane. In one aspect, the planes are perpendicular relative each other and the pairs share an axial position along the tube portion for simultaneously applying mutually independent perpendicular bending moments to a shared segment of the tube portion. In another aspect, the planes are parallel relative each other and the at least one pair of leverage members and the at least one other pair of leverage members share an axial position along the tube portion for simultaneously applying mutually independent cooperative bending moment to a shared segment of the tube portion when the corresponding bending moment actuators are energized. In yet another aspect, the at least one pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a first series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators and the at least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a second series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators. The bending moment assembly extends continuously along the tube portion.
In another aspect, the bending moment assembly includes at least one pair of rigid leverage members for coupling with at least a portion of a hollow tube.
The leverage members extend radially into a bore of the tube portion and are axially spaced apart and secured to an inner surface portion of the tube portion at radially outward portions of the leverage members. A compliant bending moment actuator extends between radially inward portions of each pair of leverage members for applying force between the radially inward portions. Application of force between the radially inward portions of the leverage members displaces the radially inward portions relative each other for applying bending moment to the tube portion extending between the radially outward portions. The moment compliantly deflects the tube portion.
At least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator may be located on a second plane traversing the longitudinal axis of the tube portion wherein the second plane is different from the first plane. In one aspect, the planes are perpendicular relative each other and the pairs share an axial position along the tube portion for simultaneously applying mutually independent perpendicular bending moments to a shared segment of the tube portion. In another aspect, the planes are parallel relative each other and the at least one pair of leverage members and the at least one other pair of leverage members share an axial position along the tube portion for simultaneously applying mutually independent cooperative bending moment to a shared segment of the tube portion when the corresponding bending moment actuators are energized. In yet another aspect, the at least one pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a first series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators and the at least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a second series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators. The bending moment assembly extends continuously along the tube portion.
In another aspect, the bending moment assembly includes at least one pair of rigid leverage members for coupling with at least a portion of a hollow tube.
The leverage members extend radially into a bore of the tube portion and are axially spaced apart and secured to an inner surface portion of the tube portion at radially outward portions of the leverage members. A compliant bending moment actuator extends between radially inward portions of each pair of leverage members for applying force between the radially inward portions. Application of force between the radially inward portions of the leverage members displaces the radially inward portions relative each other for applying bending moment to the tube portion extending between the radially outward portions. The moment compliantly deflects the tube portion.
The bending moment assembly may be used to apply moment to the tube portion at finite increments along the length of the tube portion. The moment may be positive or negative moment of any desired magnitude. Small deflections along the length of the tube portion provides high adaptability and control over pitch and yaw along the length of the tube portion without parasitic twisting or roll forces acting on the tube portion. Accordingly, the bending moment assembly may be used to generate a geometric representation of an as found pressure tube or calandria tube in the nuclear reactor in a cost-effective manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention reference may be had by way of example to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of the bending moment assembly coupled with a mock-up assembly;
Figure 2A is an elevation view of one aspect of the bending moment assembly;
Figure 2B is a cross section view taken along line 2B-2B of Fig. 2A;
Figure 3 is an elevation view of the bending moment assembly of Fig. 2A in operation;
Figure 4 is an elevation view of another aspect of the bending moment assembly in operation;
Figure 5 is an elevation view of one aspect of the bending moment assembly;
Figure 6 is a cross section view of the aspect of the bending moment assembly of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is an elevation view of one aspect of the bending moment assembly;
and, Figure 8 is an elevation view of the bending moment assembly coupled with an inner surface portion of the tube portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a mock-up assembly 10 for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions. The mock-up assembly 10 includes two spaced apart platforms 12 each supporting end fitting assemblies 14, 16 in a corresponding 3 X 3 end fitting assembly configuration 18. Each of the 3 X 3 end fitting assembly configurations 18 is coupled with the mock-up assembly 10 in an inner support wall 20 and an outer support wall 22 of the mock-up assembly which represent inner and outer tube sheets of the calandria of a nuclear reactor. The distance between the inner support walls 22 represents the distance across the calandria core of the nuclear reactor being simulated by the mock-up assembly 10.
Extending outwardly of the outer support wall 20 are a plurality of dummy end fitting assemblies 14 and a single target end fitting assembly 16. Dummy end fitting assemblies 14 are representative of the end fitting geometry relative to the target end fitting in the reactor environment and are available to react the forces associated with tools used on a target end fitting assembly.
The target end fitting assembly 16 is mounted in position relative to the outer support wall 20 and has an inner portion (not shown) that is connected to a pressure tube that in turn extends within a co-axial tube portion 24 spanning the gap between the end fitting assembly configurations 18. Tube portion 24 simulates the calandria tube or pressure tube of a nuclear reactor. Testing of tooling is done on the target end fitting assemblies 16 for the purposes of fueling the reactor, fuel channel inspection, fuel channel replacement, tool training and tool proving associated with any operation to be performed on a fuel channel. The target end fitting assembly 16 has the same geometry as the as found end fittings in the nuclear reactor being simulated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention reference may be had by way of example to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of the bending moment assembly coupled with a mock-up assembly;
Figure 2A is an elevation view of one aspect of the bending moment assembly;
Figure 2B is a cross section view taken along line 2B-2B of Fig. 2A;
Figure 3 is an elevation view of the bending moment assembly of Fig. 2A in operation;
Figure 4 is an elevation view of another aspect of the bending moment assembly in operation;
Figure 5 is an elevation view of one aspect of the bending moment assembly;
Figure 6 is a cross section view of the aspect of the bending moment assembly of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is an elevation view of one aspect of the bending moment assembly;
and, Figure 8 is an elevation view of the bending moment assembly coupled with an inner surface portion of the tube portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a mock-up assembly 10 for simulating as found nuclear reactor end fitting conditions. The mock-up assembly 10 includes two spaced apart platforms 12 each supporting end fitting assemblies 14, 16 in a corresponding 3 X 3 end fitting assembly configuration 18. Each of the 3 X 3 end fitting assembly configurations 18 is coupled with the mock-up assembly 10 in an inner support wall 20 and an outer support wall 22 of the mock-up assembly which represent inner and outer tube sheets of the calandria of a nuclear reactor. The distance between the inner support walls 22 represents the distance across the calandria core of the nuclear reactor being simulated by the mock-up assembly 10.
Extending outwardly of the outer support wall 20 are a plurality of dummy end fitting assemblies 14 and a single target end fitting assembly 16. Dummy end fitting assemblies 14 are representative of the end fitting geometry relative to the target end fitting in the reactor environment and are available to react the forces associated with tools used on a target end fitting assembly.
The target end fitting assembly 16 is mounted in position relative to the outer support wall 20 and has an inner portion (not shown) that is connected to a pressure tube that in turn extends within a co-axial tube portion 24 spanning the gap between the end fitting assembly configurations 18. Tube portion 24 simulates the calandria tube or pressure tube of a nuclear reactor. Testing of tooling is done on the target end fitting assemblies 16 for the purposes of fueling the reactor, fuel channel inspection, fuel channel replacement, tool training and tool proving associated with any operation to be performed on a fuel channel. The target end fitting assembly 16 has the same geometry as the as found end fittings in the nuclear reactor being simulated.
FIGs. 1 and 2A illustrate a bending moment assembly 26 that is coupled with tube portion 24 for simulating deformation of a nuclear reactor calandria tube or pressure tube deformed as a result of reactor use. Though the bending moment assembly 26 is described herein in conjunction with a mock-up assembly 10, it should be understood that the bending moment assembly 26 may be used in a testing or simulation operation independently of mock-up assembly 10. The bending moment assembly 26 may apply the bending moment to a tube portion that is not coupled with a mock-up assembly for the purpose of simulating as-found nuclear reactor tube geometry.
The bending moment assembly 26 includes a plurality of rigid leverage members 28 axially spaced apart along the length of the tube portion 24. In the embodiment shown, each leverage member 28 is secured to an outer surface portion 30 of the tube portion 24 adjacent a radially inward portion 32 of the leverage member 28.
As shown in FIG. 4, each of the leverage members 28 may be removably or permanently fixed to the outer surface portion 30 of the tube portion 24 using a suitable connector such as a split ring clamp type connector 36. The split-ring clamp 36 at least partially encircles the outer diameter of the tube portion 24 and is tightened about the tube portion 24. In this manner, each of the leverage members 28 may be easily removed and repositioned along the length of the tube portion 24 when necessary.
Each leverage member 28 extends radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24. Preferably, the leverage member 28 extends perpendicularly from the outer surface portion 30 relative the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24.
However, the extension of the leverage members 28 from the outer surface portion 30 need not necessarily be precisely perpendicular. Each leverage member 28 also includes a radially outward portion 34, displaced radially outward relative the radially inward portion 32 of the leverage member 28.
Though the leverage members 28 described herein are illustrated as being rigid arm type leverage members 28, it should be understood that other suitable types of leverage member may be used. For example, the leverage member 28 may be a ring collar encircling the outer surface portion 30 of the tube portion 24. It should be further understood that split ring clamps 36 are an illustrative example of a suitable connector for securing leverage members 28 to the outer surface portion 30 of the main tube portion 24.
Other securing means may be utilized including, for example, fastening mechanisms such as bolts or by welding the leverage members directly to the outer surface 30 of the tube portion 24.
A bending moment actuator extends between the radially outward portions 34 of each pair of leverage members 28. In Fig. 2A, the bending moment actuator is a pneumatic cylinder 42. Each cylinder 42 is coupled at either end thereof to a corresponding one of the radially outward portions 34 of the leverage members 28 in the pair of leverage members 28. In Fig. 2A, a longitudinal axis 44 of the cylinder 42 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24. The cylinders 42 may vary from one to the next in any dimension thereof including but not limited to length, width and radial position.
In a nuclear reactor environment, pressure tubes and calandria tubes have some compliance with inserted devices. In simulation operations, it is therefore preferable to use bending moment actuators which are compliant or non-rigid. Such actuators apply bending moment to compliantly deflect the tube portion and hence provide for more accurate and realistic reaction forces with tooling used in the simulation operation.
Pneumatic cylinders are one such bending moment actuator. A spring or another type of constant force actuator may be used in place of a pneumatic cylinder. Other bending moment actuator types may include hydraulic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, jacking screws, torsion springs, or rotary actuators, provided that compliance is designed into the mechanism.
The operation of bending moment assembly 26 in one aspect is shown in FIGs.
2A and 3 wherein the bending moment assembly 26 is coupled with the tube portion 24 in mutually independent short intervals. The intervals may be of regular or irregular length. That is, each independent short interval may include any number of pairs of leverage members 28 and corresponding cylinders 42. Each cylinder 42 extends between and is coupled at both ends to the radially outward portions 34 of each pair of leverage members 28. When energized, each cylinder 42 applies a force to displace the radially outward portions 34 of the leverage members 28 relative to each other.
It should also be understood that each of the cylinders 42 may apply the same or different magnitudes of force relative to other cylinders in the bending moment assembly 26. In this manner, means is provided for controlling the depth of the deflection in the tube portion 24 that is generated by the cylinders 42.
The coupling between each end of the cylinder 42 and the radially outward portion 34 of the corresponding leverage members 28 may be a rigid coupling or may be a pivotal coupling. A pivotal coupling between each end of the cylinder 42 and the radially outward portion 34 of the corresponding leverage members 28 facilitates a resultant change in relative angle between the leverage members 28 and the longitudinal axis 44 of the cylinder 42 as the length of the cylinder 42 is changed.
The aspect of FIG. 2A is shown in operation in FIG. 3. When cylinder 42 separates the radially outward portions 34 of the rigid leverage members 28, as shown with pairs 46, 48, 50 and 52, bending moment is applied to a segment 54 of the tube portion 24 extending between the corresponding radially inward portions 32 of each leverage member 28. The bending moment causes the segment 54 of the tube portion 24 to become locally convex relative to the cylinder 42. Between the radially inward portions 32 of members 28, the tube segment 54 is placed in tension at a first side or top side 60 thereof adjacent the cylinder 42 and in compression at a second side or bottom side 62 of the tube segment 54 opposite cylinder 42 and top side 60. Bending moment which produces tension at the first side of the tube segment 54 and compression at the second side of the tube segment 54 is referred to herein as "positive moment".
When the cylinder 42 draws closer together the radially outward portions 34, as shown with pairs 56 and 58, the bending moment causes the respective segment 54 of the tube portion 24 to become locally concave relative to the cylinder 42, as the tube segment 54 is placed in compression at first side 60 thereof between the radially inward portions 32 of the members 28 and in tension at the opposite second side 62. Bending moment which produces compression at the first side 60 of the tube segment 54 and tension at the second side 62 of the tube segment 54 is referred to herein as "negative moment". In this manner, it is possible to generate a realistic multiple curve profile in the tube portion 24.
As shown in FIG. 3, this may be a wave-shaped or cosine-shaped profile.
In FIGs. 2A and 3, pairs of leverage members 46, 48, 50, 52, 56 and 58 are shown as lying on a single vertical plane traversing the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24. However, pairs 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 are on a second horizontal plane which is approximately perpendicular relative to the vertical plane upon which lie the other pairs 46, 48, 50, 52, 56 and 58. Pairs 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 may be used to apply positive or negative moment to deflect the tube portion 30 in the horizontal plane.
It is within the purview of the present invention to position more than one pair of leverage members 28 to the same segment 54 of tube portion 24. As shown in FIGs. 2A, 2B and 3, pairs 56 and 58 and pairs 66 and 68 are located at the same axial position along the tube portion 24 and share the same segment 54 of the tube portion 24.
However, pairs 56 and 58 lie on the vertical plane whereas pairs 66 and 68 lie on the horizontal plane.
Since the cylinders 42 of pairs 56, 58, 66 and 68 may each apply different magnitudes of force, and since the pairs are positioned such that moment may be applied simultaneously in perpendicular planes, it is possible to simultaneously control the degree and direction of deflection of individual segments 54 of the tube portion 24 in both the horizontal and vertical direction (pitch and yaw). By applying this aspect to predetermined segments of the tube portion 24 it is possible to apply unique bending moment at finite increments to achieve any desired profile for tube portion 24. Moreover, by maintaining parallelism between the longitudinal axes of the cylinders 42 with the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24, such finite control over pitch and yaw in the tube portion 24 is achieved without the application of parasitic twist or "roll" forces in the tube portion 24.
The bending moment assembly 26 includes a plurality of rigid leverage members 28 axially spaced apart along the length of the tube portion 24. In the embodiment shown, each leverage member 28 is secured to an outer surface portion 30 of the tube portion 24 adjacent a radially inward portion 32 of the leverage member 28.
As shown in FIG. 4, each of the leverage members 28 may be removably or permanently fixed to the outer surface portion 30 of the tube portion 24 using a suitable connector such as a split ring clamp type connector 36. The split-ring clamp 36 at least partially encircles the outer diameter of the tube portion 24 and is tightened about the tube portion 24. In this manner, each of the leverage members 28 may be easily removed and repositioned along the length of the tube portion 24 when necessary.
Each leverage member 28 extends radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24. Preferably, the leverage member 28 extends perpendicularly from the outer surface portion 30 relative the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24.
However, the extension of the leverage members 28 from the outer surface portion 30 need not necessarily be precisely perpendicular. Each leverage member 28 also includes a radially outward portion 34, displaced radially outward relative the radially inward portion 32 of the leverage member 28.
Though the leverage members 28 described herein are illustrated as being rigid arm type leverage members 28, it should be understood that other suitable types of leverage member may be used. For example, the leverage member 28 may be a ring collar encircling the outer surface portion 30 of the tube portion 24. It should be further understood that split ring clamps 36 are an illustrative example of a suitable connector for securing leverage members 28 to the outer surface portion 30 of the main tube portion 24.
Other securing means may be utilized including, for example, fastening mechanisms such as bolts or by welding the leverage members directly to the outer surface 30 of the tube portion 24.
A bending moment actuator extends between the radially outward portions 34 of each pair of leverage members 28. In Fig. 2A, the bending moment actuator is a pneumatic cylinder 42. Each cylinder 42 is coupled at either end thereof to a corresponding one of the radially outward portions 34 of the leverage members 28 in the pair of leverage members 28. In Fig. 2A, a longitudinal axis 44 of the cylinder 42 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24. The cylinders 42 may vary from one to the next in any dimension thereof including but not limited to length, width and radial position.
In a nuclear reactor environment, pressure tubes and calandria tubes have some compliance with inserted devices. In simulation operations, it is therefore preferable to use bending moment actuators which are compliant or non-rigid. Such actuators apply bending moment to compliantly deflect the tube portion and hence provide for more accurate and realistic reaction forces with tooling used in the simulation operation.
Pneumatic cylinders are one such bending moment actuator. A spring or another type of constant force actuator may be used in place of a pneumatic cylinder. Other bending moment actuator types may include hydraulic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, jacking screws, torsion springs, or rotary actuators, provided that compliance is designed into the mechanism.
The operation of bending moment assembly 26 in one aspect is shown in FIGs.
2A and 3 wherein the bending moment assembly 26 is coupled with the tube portion 24 in mutually independent short intervals. The intervals may be of regular or irregular length. That is, each independent short interval may include any number of pairs of leverage members 28 and corresponding cylinders 42. Each cylinder 42 extends between and is coupled at both ends to the radially outward portions 34 of each pair of leverage members 28. When energized, each cylinder 42 applies a force to displace the radially outward portions 34 of the leverage members 28 relative to each other.
It should also be understood that each of the cylinders 42 may apply the same or different magnitudes of force relative to other cylinders in the bending moment assembly 26. In this manner, means is provided for controlling the depth of the deflection in the tube portion 24 that is generated by the cylinders 42.
The coupling between each end of the cylinder 42 and the radially outward portion 34 of the corresponding leverage members 28 may be a rigid coupling or may be a pivotal coupling. A pivotal coupling between each end of the cylinder 42 and the radially outward portion 34 of the corresponding leverage members 28 facilitates a resultant change in relative angle between the leverage members 28 and the longitudinal axis 44 of the cylinder 42 as the length of the cylinder 42 is changed.
The aspect of FIG. 2A is shown in operation in FIG. 3. When cylinder 42 separates the radially outward portions 34 of the rigid leverage members 28, as shown with pairs 46, 48, 50 and 52, bending moment is applied to a segment 54 of the tube portion 24 extending between the corresponding radially inward portions 32 of each leverage member 28. The bending moment causes the segment 54 of the tube portion 24 to become locally convex relative to the cylinder 42. Between the radially inward portions 32 of members 28, the tube segment 54 is placed in tension at a first side or top side 60 thereof adjacent the cylinder 42 and in compression at a second side or bottom side 62 of the tube segment 54 opposite cylinder 42 and top side 60. Bending moment which produces tension at the first side of the tube segment 54 and compression at the second side of the tube segment 54 is referred to herein as "positive moment".
When the cylinder 42 draws closer together the radially outward portions 34, as shown with pairs 56 and 58, the bending moment causes the respective segment 54 of the tube portion 24 to become locally concave relative to the cylinder 42, as the tube segment 54 is placed in compression at first side 60 thereof between the radially inward portions 32 of the members 28 and in tension at the opposite second side 62. Bending moment which produces compression at the first side 60 of the tube segment 54 and tension at the second side 62 of the tube segment 54 is referred to herein as "negative moment". In this manner, it is possible to generate a realistic multiple curve profile in the tube portion 24.
As shown in FIG. 3, this may be a wave-shaped or cosine-shaped profile.
In FIGs. 2A and 3, pairs of leverage members 46, 48, 50, 52, 56 and 58 are shown as lying on a single vertical plane traversing the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24. However, pairs 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 are on a second horizontal plane which is approximately perpendicular relative to the vertical plane upon which lie the other pairs 46, 48, 50, 52, 56 and 58. Pairs 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 may be used to apply positive or negative moment to deflect the tube portion 30 in the horizontal plane.
It is within the purview of the present invention to position more than one pair of leverage members 28 to the same segment 54 of tube portion 24. As shown in FIGs. 2A, 2B and 3, pairs 56 and 58 and pairs 66 and 68 are located at the same axial position along the tube portion 24 and share the same segment 54 of the tube portion 24.
However, pairs 56 and 58 lie on the vertical plane whereas pairs 66 and 68 lie on the horizontal plane.
Since the cylinders 42 of pairs 56, 58, 66 and 68 may each apply different magnitudes of force, and since the pairs are positioned such that moment may be applied simultaneously in perpendicular planes, it is possible to simultaneously control the degree and direction of deflection of individual segments 54 of the tube portion 24 in both the horizontal and vertical direction (pitch and yaw). By applying this aspect to predetermined segments of the tube portion 24 it is possible to apply unique bending moment at finite increments to achieve any desired profile for tube portion 24. Moreover, by maintaining parallelism between the longitudinal axes of the cylinders 42 with the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24, such finite control over pitch and yaw in the tube portion 24 is achieved without the application of parasitic twist or "roll" forces in the tube portion 24.
In Fig. 4, bending moment assembly 26 extends continuously along the length of tube portion 24 and is arranged in two oppositely disposed series of cylinders 42 and corresponding leverage members 28. Pairs of leverage members 74, 76, 78, 80, 82 and 84 and respective cylinders 42 extending therebetween are coupled with the first or top side 60 of tube portion 24. Pairs of leverage members 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 and 96 and cylinders 42 extending therebetween are coupled with the second or bottom side 62 of tube portion 24. Pairs of leverage members 28 in the assembly 26 are diametrically opposed in that they share corresponding axial positions. The diametrically opposed pairs 28 therefor cooperate to apply moment to segments 54 of the tube portion extending mutually therebetween.
In operation, cylinders 42 extending between pairs of leverage members 74 and 84 apply positive moment while the cylinders 42 extending between pairs of leverage members 86 and 96 simultaneously apply negative moment. In this manner, the tube portion 24 is deflected such that it is locally convex relative to the corresponding cylinders 42 at the top side 60 of tube portion 24 and locally concave relative to the corresponding cylinders 42 at the bottom side 62 of tube portion 24.
Conversely, with respect to pairs 76, 78, 80 and 82, negative moment is applied at the top side 60 of the tube portion 24. Diametrically opposed pairs 88, 90, 92 and 94 simultaneously apply positive moment at the bottom side 62 of the tube portion 24. In this manner, cooperative bending moment may be applied to individual segments 54 of the tube portion 24 commonly extending between the radially inward portions 32 of diametrically opposed pairs of leverage members 28. Thereby, deflection of the tube portion 24 in finite increments along the entire length thereof may be achieved with a high degree of efficiency.
With respect to Fig. 4, it should be understood that although pairs 74, 76, 78, 80, 82 and 84 at the top side 60 of the tube portion 24 are shown as being parallel relative to pairs 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 and 96 at the bottom portion 62, the two series of members 28 and cylinders 42 may lie on different planes while sharing corresponding axial positions along the tube portion 24. In one aspect, the planes are perpendicular relative each other.
Accordingly, when the corresponding cylinders 42 are energized, pairs of members 28 in the first series and pairs of members 28 in the second series may simultaneously apply independent perpendicular bending moments to shared segments 54 of the tube portion 24. Therefore, the depth of deflection in a vertical plane and a horizontal plane, or pitch and yaw, of the tube portion 24 may be continuously controlled along the length thereof Stresses generated in the tube portion 24 as a result of the bending moment are kept within the elastic range of the material from which the tube portion 24 is fabricated in order to prevent permanent deformation of the tube portion 24. Accordingly, the tube portion 24 is returned to an original shape after the cylinders 42 are de-energized and may be re-used to generate a different profile in the same or a different operation.
In the aspect illustrated in Fig. 5, the pairs of members 28 and corresponding cylinders 42 are positioned on the outer surface portion 30 of tube portion 24 in a generally circular or spiral array about the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24.
The pairs of members 28 and cylinders 42 may be regularly or irregularly spaced from one another. In Fig. 5 components which would be directly visible in the perspective view are illustrated using solid lines. Components which would not be directly visible in the perspective view but which are nonetheless present in this aspect of the bending moment assembly 26 (i.e. those members 28 and cylinders 42 which pass "behind"
the tube portion 24) are illustrated by way of dashed lines. The individual cylinders 42 are mutually independent from others in the bending moment assembly 26. Each cylinder 42 applies force of a predetermined magnitude to the radially outward portions 34 of leverage members 28 to apply moment in its single respective plane. Under the combined force of the cylinders 42, the tube portion 24 is subject to bending moment simultaneously in multiple planes which generates therein a spiral-shaped profile. The spiral array may extend the full length of tube portion 24 or may extend only partially along the full length of tube portion 24. It should therefore be understood that it is within the purview of the present invention to apply moment in multiple planes not only to the whole of the tube portion 24 as shown in Fig. 5, but also to parts or finite increments of the tube portion 24.
Similarly to the aspect described with respect to FIG. 4, the bending moment assembly 26 may include a second spiral array of cylinders 42 and members 28 diametrically opposed relative to the spiral array shown in Fig. 5. In this manner, moment may be applied cooperatively to segments 54 of the tube portion 24 in multiple planes to generate a spiral shaped profile in the tube portion 24. FIG. 6 shows in cross section a first diametrically opposed pairs of members 98a and 98b and diametrically opposed pairs of members 100a and 100b adjacent the tube portion 24. Pairs of members 98a and 98b are located on a first plane 102 passing through the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24. Pairs of members 100a and 100b are displaced along the longitudinal axis 40 relative to pairs 98a and 98b. Pairs of members 100a and 100b are located on a second plane 104 traversing the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24 which is angularly displaced relative to the first plane 102. For simplicity, the cylinders 42 have been omitted from FIG. 6. However, each cylinder 42 extends between the radially outward portions 34 of a pair of leverage members 28.
In the aspect shown in Fig. 7, the axial span worked on by the cylinders 42 is different between the top cylinder 42 and the bottom cylinder 42. Moreover, the leverage members 28 of the bottom pair of leverage members 28 are shorter in length than the leverage members 28 in the top pair of leverage members 28. The use of longer and shorter cylinders 42 and leverage members 28 provides a number of advantages.
Longer leverage members increase the radial distance between the cylinder 42 and the tube portion 24. The longer the leverage members 28, the less force must be applied by the cylinder 42 to provide bending moment to the tube portion 24. Thereby, additional means is provided to control the depth of deflection in the tube portion 24 generated by the cylinder 42. Shorter leverage members 28 decrease the radial distance of the cylinder 42 from the tube portion 24. The use of shorter leverage members 28 in one or more parts of the bending moment assembly 26 permits the bending moment assembly 26 to be accommodated in areas having space constraints. Use of shorter and longer leverage members 28 and longer and shorter cylinders 42 may permit, for example, one cylinder 42 to be superimposed in the radial direction over another cylinder 42 in the bending moment assembly 26, as shown in Fig. 7.
Though the above aspects of the invention have been described in terms of a bending moment assembly 26 coupled with an outer surface portion 30 of a tube portion 24, it should be understood that it is within the purview of the present invention to have a bending moment assembly 26, as shown in Fig. 8, coupled with an inner surface portion 106 of a tube portion 24.
In the aspect shown in Fig. 8, the bending moment assembly 26 is coupled with an inner surface portion 106 of tube portion 24 and extends continuously along the length of tube portion 24. The bending moment assembly 26 includes two series of cylinders 42 and corresponding leverage members 28 oppositely disposed at first or top portion 60 of tube portion 24 and second or bottom portion 62 of tube portion 24. The radially outward portions 34 of pairs of leverage members 28 are coupled by any suitable means to the inner surface portion 106 of the tube portion 24. The cylinders 42 extend between the radially inward portions 32 of the leverage members 28. The cylinders 42 and leverage members 28 of the bending moment assembly 26 illustrated in Fig. 8 operate in substantially the same manner as the aspects of the bending moment assembly 26 described above with respect to the outer surface portion 30 of tube portion 24. Although the bending moment assembly 26 illustrated in Fig. 8 includes two series of cylinders 42 and leverage members 28, it is possible to apply moment to the tube portion 24 using any of the aforementioned aspects such as mutually independent short intervals of cylinders 42 and members 28, one or more series of cylinders and leverage members extending the length of the tube portion 24, or one or more circular or spiral arrays of cylinders and leverage members extending at least partially along the length of the tube portion.
In operation, the cylinders 42 at the top portion 60 of tube portion 24 may apply one of a negative and a positive moment while the cylinders 42 at the bottom portion 62 of tube portion 64 may simultaneously apply the other one of a negative and a positive moment. Thereby, the series of the bending moment assembly 26 may cooperate to deflect the tube portion 24 into a desired configuration. Moreover, coupling of the bending moment assembly 26 with an inner surface portion 106 of the tube portion 24 may provide for less interference between the bending moment assembly 26 and features of the operating environment of the bending moment assembly 26. For example, the bending moment assembly 26 shown in Fig. 8 would not interfere with other components of the mock-up assembly 10, were the bending moment assembly 26 used in conjunction with mock-up assembly 10.
While there have been described herein what are considered to be preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, other modifications of these embodiments falling within the invention described herein shall be apparent to those skilled in the art.
In operation, cylinders 42 extending between pairs of leverage members 74 and 84 apply positive moment while the cylinders 42 extending between pairs of leverage members 86 and 96 simultaneously apply negative moment. In this manner, the tube portion 24 is deflected such that it is locally convex relative to the corresponding cylinders 42 at the top side 60 of tube portion 24 and locally concave relative to the corresponding cylinders 42 at the bottom side 62 of tube portion 24.
Conversely, with respect to pairs 76, 78, 80 and 82, negative moment is applied at the top side 60 of the tube portion 24. Diametrically opposed pairs 88, 90, 92 and 94 simultaneously apply positive moment at the bottom side 62 of the tube portion 24. In this manner, cooperative bending moment may be applied to individual segments 54 of the tube portion 24 commonly extending between the radially inward portions 32 of diametrically opposed pairs of leverage members 28. Thereby, deflection of the tube portion 24 in finite increments along the entire length thereof may be achieved with a high degree of efficiency.
With respect to Fig. 4, it should be understood that although pairs 74, 76, 78, 80, 82 and 84 at the top side 60 of the tube portion 24 are shown as being parallel relative to pairs 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 and 96 at the bottom portion 62, the two series of members 28 and cylinders 42 may lie on different planes while sharing corresponding axial positions along the tube portion 24. In one aspect, the planes are perpendicular relative each other.
Accordingly, when the corresponding cylinders 42 are energized, pairs of members 28 in the first series and pairs of members 28 in the second series may simultaneously apply independent perpendicular bending moments to shared segments 54 of the tube portion 24. Therefore, the depth of deflection in a vertical plane and a horizontal plane, or pitch and yaw, of the tube portion 24 may be continuously controlled along the length thereof Stresses generated in the tube portion 24 as a result of the bending moment are kept within the elastic range of the material from which the tube portion 24 is fabricated in order to prevent permanent deformation of the tube portion 24. Accordingly, the tube portion 24 is returned to an original shape after the cylinders 42 are de-energized and may be re-used to generate a different profile in the same or a different operation.
In the aspect illustrated in Fig. 5, the pairs of members 28 and corresponding cylinders 42 are positioned on the outer surface portion 30 of tube portion 24 in a generally circular or spiral array about the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24.
The pairs of members 28 and cylinders 42 may be regularly or irregularly spaced from one another. In Fig. 5 components which would be directly visible in the perspective view are illustrated using solid lines. Components which would not be directly visible in the perspective view but which are nonetheless present in this aspect of the bending moment assembly 26 (i.e. those members 28 and cylinders 42 which pass "behind"
the tube portion 24) are illustrated by way of dashed lines. The individual cylinders 42 are mutually independent from others in the bending moment assembly 26. Each cylinder 42 applies force of a predetermined magnitude to the radially outward portions 34 of leverage members 28 to apply moment in its single respective plane. Under the combined force of the cylinders 42, the tube portion 24 is subject to bending moment simultaneously in multiple planes which generates therein a spiral-shaped profile. The spiral array may extend the full length of tube portion 24 or may extend only partially along the full length of tube portion 24. It should therefore be understood that it is within the purview of the present invention to apply moment in multiple planes not only to the whole of the tube portion 24 as shown in Fig. 5, but also to parts or finite increments of the tube portion 24.
Similarly to the aspect described with respect to FIG. 4, the bending moment assembly 26 may include a second spiral array of cylinders 42 and members 28 diametrically opposed relative to the spiral array shown in Fig. 5. In this manner, moment may be applied cooperatively to segments 54 of the tube portion 24 in multiple planes to generate a spiral shaped profile in the tube portion 24. FIG. 6 shows in cross section a first diametrically opposed pairs of members 98a and 98b and diametrically opposed pairs of members 100a and 100b adjacent the tube portion 24. Pairs of members 98a and 98b are located on a first plane 102 passing through the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24. Pairs of members 100a and 100b are displaced along the longitudinal axis 40 relative to pairs 98a and 98b. Pairs of members 100a and 100b are located on a second plane 104 traversing the longitudinal axis 40 of the tube portion 24 which is angularly displaced relative to the first plane 102. For simplicity, the cylinders 42 have been omitted from FIG. 6. However, each cylinder 42 extends between the radially outward portions 34 of a pair of leverage members 28.
In the aspect shown in Fig. 7, the axial span worked on by the cylinders 42 is different between the top cylinder 42 and the bottom cylinder 42. Moreover, the leverage members 28 of the bottom pair of leverage members 28 are shorter in length than the leverage members 28 in the top pair of leverage members 28. The use of longer and shorter cylinders 42 and leverage members 28 provides a number of advantages.
Longer leverage members increase the radial distance between the cylinder 42 and the tube portion 24. The longer the leverage members 28, the less force must be applied by the cylinder 42 to provide bending moment to the tube portion 24. Thereby, additional means is provided to control the depth of deflection in the tube portion 24 generated by the cylinder 42. Shorter leverage members 28 decrease the radial distance of the cylinder 42 from the tube portion 24. The use of shorter leverage members 28 in one or more parts of the bending moment assembly 26 permits the bending moment assembly 26 to be accommodated in areas having space constraints. Use of shorter and longer leverage members 28 and longer and shorter cylinders 42 may permit, for example, one cylinder 42 to be superimposed in the radial direction over another cylinder 42 in the bending moment assembly 26, as shown in Fig. 7.
Though the above aspects of the invention have been described in terms of a bending moment assembly 26 coupled with an outer surface portion 30 of a tube portion 24, it should be understood that it is within the purview of the present invention to have a bending moment assembly 26, as shown in Fig. 8, coupled with an inner surface portion 106 of a tube portion 24.
In the aspect shown in Fig. 8, the bending moment assembly 26 is coupled with an inner surface portion 106 of tube portion 24 and extends continuously along the length of tube portion 24. The bending moment assembly 26 includes two series of cylinders 42 and corresponding leverage members 28 oppositely disposed at first or top portion 60 of tube portion 24 and second or bottom portion 62 of tube portion 24. The radially outward portions 34 of pairs of leverage members 28 are coupled by any suitable means to the inner surface portion 106 of the tube portion 24. The cylinders 42 extend between the radially inward portions 32 of the leverage members 28. The cylinders 42 and leverage members 28 of the bending moment assembly 26 illustrated in Fig. 8 operate in substantially the same manner as the aspects of the bending moment assembly 26 described above with respect to the outer surface portion 30 of tube portion 24. Although the bending moment assembly 26 illustrated in Fig. 8 includes two series of cylinders 42 and leverage members 28, it is possible to apply moment to the tube portion 24 using any of the aforementioned aspects such as mutually independent short intervals of cylinders 42 and members 28, one or more series of cylinders and leverage members extending the length of the tube portion 24, or one or more circular or spiral arrays of cylinders and leverage members extending at least partially along the length of the tube portion.
In operation, the cylinders 42 at the top portion 60 of tube portion 24 may apply one of a negative and a positive moment while the cylinders 42 at the bottom portion 62 of tube portion 64 may simultaneously apply the other one of a negative and a positive moment. Thereby, the series of the bending moment assembly 26 may cooperate to deflect the tube portion 24 into a desired configuration. Moreover, coupling of the bending moment assembly 26 with an inner surface portion 106 of the tube portion 24 may provide for less interference between the bending moment assembly 26 and features of the operating environment of the bending moment assembly 26. For example, the bending moment assembly 26 shown in Fig. 8 would not interfere with other components of the mock-up assembly 10, were the bending moment assembly 26 used in conjunction with mock-up assembly 10.
While there have been described herein what are considered to be preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, other modifications of these embodiments falling within the invention described herein shall be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (34)
- WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
I. A bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry, the bending moment assembly comprising:
at least one pair of rigid leverage members for coupling with at least a portion of a tube, the leverage members extending radially away from the tube portion and being axially spaced apart and secured to an outer surface portion of the tube portion at radially inward portions of the leverage members;
a compliant bending moment actuator extending between radially outward portions of each pair of leverage members for applying force between the radially outward portions; wherein, application of force between the radially outward portions of the leverage members displaces the radially outward portions relative each other for applying bending moment to the tube portion extending between the radially inward portions to compliantly deflect the tube portion. - 2. The bending moment assembly as in claim 1, wherein the bending moment assembly is coupled with a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry.
- 3. The bending moment assembly as in claim 1 comprising a plurality of bending moment actuators and corresponding pairs of leverage members.
- 4. The bending moment assembly as in claim 3, wherein ones of the bending moment actuators apply force of one of the same and different magnitude relative to force applied by other ones of the bending moment actuators.
- 5. The bending moment assembly as in claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the bending moment actuator is parallel relative a longitudinal axis of the tube portion.
- 6. The bending moment assembly as in claim 1, wherein the leverage members are removably fixed to the outer surface portion of the tube portion.
- 7. The bending moment assembly as in claim 1, wherein the leverage members are selected from the group consisting of rigid lever arms and a ring collar at least partially encircling the longitudinal axis of the tube portion and coupled with the outer surface portion of the tube portion.
- 8. The bending moment assembly as in claim 3 wherein the bending moment assembly is coupled with the outer surface of the tube portion in mutually independent short intervals of bending moment actuators and corresponding leverage members.
- 9. The bending moment assembly as in claim 3, wherein:
at least one pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator are located on a first plane traversing a longitudinal axis of the tube portion;
at least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator are located on a second plane traversing the longitudinal axis of the tube portion;
and, the second plane is different from the first plane. - 10. The bending moment assembly as in claim 9, wherein:
the planes are perpendicular relative each other; and, the at least one pair and the at least one other pair of leverage members share an axial position along the tube portion for simultaneously applying mutually independent perpendicular bending moments to a shared segment of the tube portion when the corresponding bending moment actuators are energized. - 11. The bending moment assembly as in claim 9, wherein:
the planes are parallel relative each other; and, the at least one pair and the at least one other pair of leverage members share an axial position along the tube portion for simultaneously applying mutually independent cooperative bending moments to a shared segment of the tube portion when the corresponding bending moment actuators are energized. - 12. The bending moment assembly as in claim 10, wherein:
the at least one pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a first series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators;
the at least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a second series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators; and, the bending moment assembly extends continuously along the tube portion. - 1 3 . The bending moment assembly as in claim 11, wherein:
the at least one pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a first series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators;
the at least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a second series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators; and, the bending moment assembly extends continuously along the tube portion. - 1 4. The bending moment assembly as in claim 3, comprising:
a plurality of pairs of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators mutually independently positioned on the outer surface portion of the tube portion in a spiral array about a longitudinal axis of the tube portion. - 1 5 . The bending moment assembly as in claim 1, wherein:
the tube portion is fabricated from a material having an elastic range and stresses generated in the tube portion by the bending moment are within the elastic range of the material. - 1 6. The bending moment assembly as in claim 9, wherein:
the planes are parallel relative each other and the at least one pair of leverage members is shorter in length than the at least one other pair of leverage members; and, the bending moment actuator extending between the at least one other pair of leverage members is radially distanced further from the longitudinal axis of the tube portion than the bending moment actuator extending between the at least one pair of leverage members. - 1 7. The bending moment assembly as in claim 1, wherein the leverage members are permanently fixed to the outer surface portion of the tube portion.
- 1 8. A bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry, the bending moment assembly comprising:
at least one pair of rigid leverage members for coupling with at least a portion of a hollow tube, the leverage members extending radially into a bore of the tube portion and being axially spaced apart and secured to an inner surface portion of the tube portion at radially outward portions of the leverage members;
a compliant bending moment actuator extending between radially inward portions of each pair of leverage members for applying force between the radially inward portions; wherein, application of force between the radially inward portions of the leverage members displaces the radially inward portions relative each other for applying bending moment to the tube portion extending between the radially outward portions to compliantly deflect the tube portion. - 19. The bending moment assembly as in claim 18, wherein the bending moment assembly is coupled with a mock-up assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry.
- 20. The bending moment assembly as in claim 18, wherein the bending moment assembly includes a plurality of bending moment actuators and corresponding pairs of leverage members.
- 21. The bending moment assembly as in claim 20, wherein ones of the bending moment actuators apply force of one of the same and different magnitude relative to force applied by other ones of the bending moment actuators.
- 22. The bending moment assembly as in claim 18, wherein a longitudinal axis of the bending moment actuator is parallel relative a longitudinal axis of the tube portion.
- 23. The bending moment assembly as in claim 18, wherein the leverage members are removably fixed to the inner surface portion of the tube portion.
- 24. The bending moment assembly as in claim 18, wherein the leverage members are selected from the group consisting of rigid lever arms and a ring collar at least partially encircling the longitudinal axis of the tube portion and coupled with the inner surface portion of the tube portion.
- 25. The bending moment assembly as in claim 20 wherein the bending moment assembly is coupled with the inner surface of the tube portion in mutually independent short intervals of bending moment actuators and corresponding leverage members.
- 26. The bending moment assembly as in claim 20, wherein:
at least one pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator are located on a first plane traversing a longitudinal axis of the tube portion;
at least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator are located on a second plane traversing the longitudinal axis of the tube portion;
and, the second plane is different from the first plane. - 27. The bending moment assembly as in claim 26, wherein:
the planes are perpendicular relative each other; and, the at least one pair and the at least one other pair of leverage members share an axial position along the tube portion for simultaneously applying mutually independent perpendicular bending moments to a shared segment of the tube portion when the corresponding bending moment actuators are energized. - 28. The bending moment assembly as in claim 26, wherein:
the planes are parallel relative each other; and, the at least one pair and the at least one other pair of leverage members share an axial position along the tube portion for simultaneously applying mutually independent cooperative bending moments to a shared segment of the tube portion when the corresponding bending moment actuators are energized. - 29. The bending moment assembly as in claim 27, wherein:
the at least one pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a first series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators;
the at least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a second series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators; and, the bending moment assembly extends continuously along the tube portion. - 30. The bending moment assembly as in claim 28, wherein:
the at least one pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a first series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators;
the at least one other pair of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuator is a second series of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators; and, the bending moment assembly extends continuously along the tube portion. - 31. The bending moment assembly as in claim 20, comprising:
a plurality of pairs of leverage members and corresponding bending moment actuators mutually independently positioned on the inner surface portion of the tube portion in a spiral array about a longitudinal axis of the tube portion. - 32. The bending moment assembly as in claim 18, wherein:
the tube portion is fabricated from a material having an elastic range and stresses generated in the tube portion by the bending moment are within the elastic range of the material. - 3 3 . The bending moment assembly as in claim 26, comprising:
the planes are parallel relative each other and the at least one pair of leverage members is shorter in length than the at least one other pair of leverage members; and, the bending moment actuator extending between the at least one other adjacent pair of leverage members is radially distanced further from the longitudinal axis of the tube portion than the bending moment actuator extending between the at least one adjacent pair of leverage members. - 34. The bending moment assembly as in claim 18, wherein the leverage members are permanently fixed to the inner surface portion of the tube portion.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2778587A CA2778587A1 (en) | 2012-06-01 | 2012-06-01 | Bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry |
| ROA201300375A RO129270A2 (en) | 2012-06-01 | 2013-05-17 | Assembly for determining the bending moment in order to simulate the geometry identified in the tubes of a nuclear reactor |
| KR1020130058821A KR20130135750A (en) | 2012-06-01 | 2013-05-24 | Bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry |
| ARP130101839 AR091167A1 (en) | 2012-06-01 | 2013-05-27 | ASSEMBLY THAT GENERATES A FLECTOR MOMENT TO SIMULATE THE GEOMETRY OF THE TUBES OF A NUCLEAR REACTOR AS FOUND |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2778587A CA2778587A1 (en) | 2012-06-01 | 2012-06-01 | Bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2778587A1 true CA2778587A1 (en) | 2013-12-01 |
Family
ID=49709197
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2778587A Abandoned CA2778587A1 (en) | 2012-06-01 | 2012-06-01 | Bending moment assembly for simulating as found nuclear reactor tube geometry |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| KR (1) | KR20130135750A (en) |
| AR (1) | AR091167A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2778587A1 (en) |
| RO (1) | RO129270A2 (en) |
-
2012
- 2012-06-01 CA CA2778587A patent/CA2778587A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-05-17 RO ROA201300375A patent/RO129270A2/en unknown
- 2013-05-24 KR KR1020130058821A patent/KR20130135750A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2013-05-27 AR ARP130101839 patent/AR091167A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| RO129270A2 (en) | 2014-02-28 |
| AR091167A1 (en) | 2015-01-14 |
| KR20130135750A (en) | 2013-12-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20161007 |