Finite Element Analysis of a Special Multi-bar Detection Manipulator

In order to satisfy the need of ultrasonic detection of the welding seam between the steam generator (SG) outlet pipe and the main cooling pump in nuclear power plant, a set of special multi-bar detection manipulators with multi-degree of freedom is developed. A finite element analysis is conducted on the special multi-bar detection manipulator using Solidwork’s Simulation module. The results show that the special multi-bar detection manipulator made of aluminum bars only meets the strength requirements during service and could not meet the stiffness requirements, which greatly affects the positioning accuracy during transportation and scanning. Subsequently, an aluminum tube is used to optimize the structure of the special multi-bar detection manipulator. The results show that the improved equipment can meet the strength requirements during service, and the stiffness has been significantly improved. After further lightweighting, the positioning accuracy during transportation and scanning is significantly improved, which is conducive to the operation of later detection.