Thermal fatigue damage evaluation of a PWR NPP steam generator injection nozzle model subjected to thermal stratification phenomenon

Thermal stratification phenomenon with the same thermodynamic steam generator (SG) injection nozzle parameters was simulated. After 41 experiments, the experimental section was dismantled; cut and specimens were made of its material. Other specimens were made of the preserved pipe material. By comparing their fatigue tests results, the pipe material damage was evaluated. The water temperature layers and also the outside pipe wall temperatures were measured at the same level. Strains outside the pipe in 7 positions were measured. The experimental section develops thermal stratified flows, stresses and strains caused enlargement of material grain size and reduction in fatigue life.