NS SAVANNAH, INVESTIGATION OF CONTAINMENT VESSEL COLLAPSE

Investigation determines the depth to which the N.S. Savannah can sink before the combination of bending due to weight loading and external sea water pressure causes collapse of the unflooded containment vessel and allows possible escape of radioactive contaminants to the environment. The investigation also includes determination of the worst attitudes in which the ship might sink and evaluation of various portions of the containment vessel to determine weak points. Calculations were made for the stiffener rings in the cylindrical portion of the containment vessel for the ship sinking while rolled over at 90 degrees on either side, and sinking aft end down. Uniform external hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy, and weight of the containment vessel are sources of force on the stiffener rings. It was found that the stiffener rings would be the first portion of the containment vessel to collapse due to external pressure alone. Instability of one or more stiffener rings can result in a progressive collapse of the vessel and rupture of the containment shell.

Supplemental Notes:
- This document is available for review at the Department of Commerce Library, Main Commerce Building, Washington, D.C., under reference number ESI-57-1.
Corporate Authors:
Ebasco Services Incorporated

Two Rector Street
New York, NY United States

States Marine Lines, Incorporated

,
Publication Date: 1961-12

Media Info

Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
Pagination: 91 p.

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Hydrostatic pressure; Mechanical rings; Nuclear powered ships; Radiation hazards
Old TRIS Terms: Hydrostatic loading; Stiffening rings; Water depth effects
Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Materials; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 00026354
Record Type: Publication
Source Agency: Maritime Administration
Report/Paper Numbers: ESI-57-1 Intrm Rpt
Contract Numbers: MA-1889
Files: TRIS, USDOT
Created Date: Feb 14 1973 12:00AM