Case Study: Assystem achieves PD5500‑compliant, impact‑resistant nuclear encapsulation vessel design with Altair HyperWorks

HyperWorks used in the Design, Development & Testing of Nuclear Encapsulation Vessels

Assystem UK Ltd, an international engineering and nuclear specialist, was commissioned to design, prototype and verify an encapsulation overpack to protect product cans. The overpack had to act as a pressure vessel (PD5500) with a 10‑year design life and withstand dynamic drop loads onto flat or angled targets from 3.5 m (transport) and 1.5 m (storage). To meet these requirements Assystem used Altair’s HyperWorks suite (including HyperMesh, RADIOSS, HyperStudy and HyperView).

Using Altair HyperWorks, Assystem meshed and simulated multiple pressurised and non‑pressurised drop scenarios, applied a Design of Experiments approach to explore worst‑case orientations, and iterated the design where needed. Prototype testing validated the simulation-driven design: the vessel met PD5500 code (externally accredited), withstood the required impact conditions and progressed to production, demonstrating a robust, qualified solution and reduced development iterations through Altair’s tools.

Assystem

Adam Towse

Senior Principal - Simulation and Assessment Engineer