The steel containment vessel of the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) is designed to operate under submerged conditions, which influences its dynamic behavior during seismic events. Under such conditions, the interaction between the surrounding water and the containment structure plays an important role in the seismic response. In this study, seismic analyses of a submerged containment vessel are conducted using response spectrum analysis and time-history analysis. The results from the two methods are compared to examine the effects of fluid–structure interaction on the dynamic response. It is observed that the seismic responses under submerged conditions may exceed those under dry conditions due to hydrodynamic effects, including added mass and sloshing. These results indicate that fluid–structure interaction should be considered in the seismic analysis of submerged containment vessels.

• 김지웅(국립순천대학교 대학원 우주항공학과) | Jiwoong Kim
• 이희남(국립순천대학교 기계우주항공공학부) | Huinam Rhee Corresponding author