Wave propagation properties of frame structures; Formulation for three dimensional frame structures

Miyazaki, Akemi

Since it is generally difficult to predict the occurrence of the natural disasters such as earthquakes, a performance management system that always maintains the safety of the structures is required, especially for the critical ones like the nuclear power plants. To realize such a system, it is becoming important to carry out modeling procedures and analyses in detail to capture the real phenomena. Such details are important in understanding the phenomena occurring in the frame structures such as piping systems which are considered to be one of the most weakest and vulnerable parts in the nuclear power plants. The aim of our research is to solve the dynamic behavior, especially the wave propagation phenomena for the piping systems in the nuclear power. The spectral element method is adopted in this work and the formulation considering a shear deformation of a frame element is described. Timoshenko beam theory is introduced for the purpose of this formulation. The validity of the presented element will be shown through the comparisons made with the conventional beam element.