Implementation of finite element based fatigue monitoring system at heavy water plant Kota

Abstract

A finite element based fatigue monitoring system has been developed for on-line monitoring of fatigue degradation of components used in various plants. The system can take care of the fluctuations of the process fluid temperature, pressure and flow rate. This can also account for the system induced loads such as axial forces and bending moments. The system converts the plant transients to temperature/stress responses using finite element method, computes the fatigue usage factor and updates the information continuously. This system is capable of analysing several components of a plant using a P.C. 486. As a part of life extension programme of Heavy Water Plant Kota, this system has been installed for monitoring fatigue degradation of important components. This system is successfully under operation since mid 1996.