Abstract
Seismic isolation was selected as a potential method of increasing the structural integrity margins for liquid metal reactor power plants. Analyses indicated that seismic isolation would reduce by 90 to 95% the acceleration experienced by the reactor vessel at its fundamental frequency. A cooperative development program was established by electric utility organizations in Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Alternative seismic isolator concepts were compared and the laminated elastomer/steel with lead plug concept was selected to be the first concept tested. Sixteen half-sized units were tested, the results compared with predictions and potential isolator design improvements inferred. The cooperative program is continuing through testing of other isolator concepts.
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