ML19296B309

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Clarifies Use of Term Error in NRC 790319 Testimony.Use of Algebraic Summation Technique Is Incorrect,Independent of Whether Term Error Is Appropriate
ML19296B309
Person / Time
Issue date: 12/12/1979
From: Eisenhut D
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To: Myers H
HOUSE OF REP., INTERIOR & INSULAR AFFAIRS
Shared Package
ML19296B308 List:
References
NUDOCS 8002200393
Download: ML19296B309 (1)


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December 12, 1979 i

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e Dr. Henry Myers, Special Consultant on Interior and Insular Affairs 1324 Lonporth House Office Building Washington, D. C.

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Dear Dr. Myers:

Per our discussion following your request, the following paragraohs should clarify the use of the term " error" in the NRC's March 19, 1979 testimony.

"In our March 19, 1979 testimony we stated that we consideret the use of the algebraic summation method to have been in " error" as a

used by Stone and Webster in a computer code used for the design of piping systems under seismic events.

Since presenting that testimony we have learned that the algebraic sumation was used in five different comouter programs and that this technique was used in the design of 29 nuclear facilities.

These facilities are both in operation and under construction.

Because of these findings it is unclear whether or not the designers of the facility shculd have recognized their mistake.

Independent of whether this should be considered an " error", today's uncerstanding of these calculational techniques clearly indicate that the use of the algebraic summation is incorrect.

We conclude this because the algebraic technique can in some cases sianificantly underestimate the seismic response of piping, while in other cases it may produce results similar to acceptable nethods."

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Sincerely,

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Darrel 5.'Ei>senhu Ac g firector i"

Division oficperatinc Reactors Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation a

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