Decrease of reaction force of metal gaskets just after initial tightening

The decrease of reaction force of some metal gaskets inserted into the test flange at room temperature, 120o C(real cask temperature) and 200o C(accelerated condition) are measured. The reaction forces of metal gaskets in the room temperature have been almost not changed. The reaction force of 120o C and 200o C metal gaskets has decreased according to the temperature increase. After the temperature became stable, the decrease of the reaction force gradually proceeded, this decrease have been as same as previous studies. The bolts of transport and storage casks are usually tightened just after the loading of spent fuels, and then the temperature of metal gaskets at that time is almost the room temperature. The reaction forces of the metal gasket tightened at this condition would be decreased after the temperature increase due to the decay heat of spent fuels. It is confirmed that the loosening of the bolts might be happened if the tightening torque of bolts is not appropriate. It is easy to evaluate that the reaction forces of the metal gasket in storage condition according to Larson-Miller parameter or relaxation of the gasket material, but the decrease of the reaction forces of the metal gasket just after the loading is not able to evaluate by these method. It is necessary to evaluate the reaction forces according to plastic deformation property of the metal gaskets so as to fasten the gaskets safety.