Challenge: The existing pumps need to be analyzed for seismic fragility. The developed seismic fragility will be performed using a 5% damped spectral acceleration. Resolution: The pumps were evaluated for the possible failure modes based on the design calculation. The...

Challenge: To evaluate the structural adequacy of a nuclear fuel transfer cask pedestal during lifting and seismic event loading. Resolution: Our engineering team created a detailed finite element model of the transfer cask pedestal which consists of a hexagonal steel...

Challenge: Our client required a structural analysisof a new air-cooled heat exchanger assembly to be installed in Peru. The purpose of the assessment was to investigate whether the current design of the steel structure met the structural code requirements when...

HEA performed a dynamic non-linear time history earthquake analysis of a turbine building structure, exhaust piping, and pipe support gaps. From the global model, we extracted time history column end forces and moments for overstressed members and used the data to...

In-house inspection of a service water pipe elbow revealed thinning of the pipe walls due to erosion and/or corrosion. HEA mapped measurements taken of the wall thinning onto a detailed finite element model of the elbow. Analysis of this model indicated that stresses...

A Motor Operated Valve was replaced with a heavier valve, requiring reanalysis of the Pressurizer Valve Piping. HEA performed a Class 1 piping analysis considering dynamic fluid transient loading and thermal stratification effects.

The actual number of loss of letdown thermal transients was found to exceed the design number of transients for a charging nozzle. HEA performed a Class I evaluation of the charging nozzle using thermal transient heat flow and stress analyses.

HEA determined the seismic displacement of a suspended crane hook load as part of an ISFSI project. Impact of a hook load into the structure was a primary concern. HEA used a computer model to accurately represent the crane, surrounding superstructure, and ground...

HEA evaluated the structural integrity of the Dry Shielded Canister (DSC) and internals when subjected to an accident-scenario side-drop. Non-linear effects such as material plasticity, contact, and time-history loading were considered.

Crack indications were found at thermal joints of a containment polar crane rail. An ASME Section XI Code based fracture mechanics life evaluation for various crack orientations was performed using stresses found by finite element analysis.