Unified model of nucleation and growth of fatigue macrocracks. Part 2. Application of deformational parameters of the fracture mechanics of materials in the stage of crack initiation

1998 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-364
Author(s):  
O. P. Ostash ◽  
V. V. Panasyuk ◽  
E. M. Kostyk
Author(s):  
Magdalena Speicher ◽  
Thorben Bender ◽  
Andreas Klenk ◽  
Falk Mueller ◽  
Christian Kontermann ◽  
...  

Abstract Originating from defects and flaws in high temperature components crack initiation and crack propagation under service conditions can occur. Fracture mechanics data and procedures are needed to study crack problems and to support an advanced remnant life evaluation. During subsequent research in the past 35 years, data were determined for different high temperature materials. Methodologies and concepts taking into account the specific material behavior were developed in order to be able to describe crack initiation and crack growth and have appropriate assessment methods available. For creep crack initiation two criteria principles were used and for creep crack growth assessment based on the integral C* parameter were applied. Furthermore, a method for determination of critical crack length was developed allowing decisions whether modified stress analysis methods are sufficient or more complicated fracture mechanics methods are needed. To provide data and methodologies in a user-friendly way, a program system combining data and methods was implemented. The paper describes developed features and shows comparisons to other methods. The methods can be applied for design purposes as well as remnant life assessments.


Author(s):  
Kazuya Osakabe ◽  
Koichi Masaki ◽  
Jinya Katsuyama ◽  
Genshichiro Katsumata ◽  
Kunio Onizawa

To assess the structural integrity of reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) during pressurized thermal shock (PTS) events, the deterministic fracture mechanics approach prescribed in Japanese code JEAC 4206-2007 [1] has been used in Japan. The structural integrity is judged to be maintained if the stress intensity factor (SIF) at the crack tip during PTS events is smaller than fracture toughness KIc. On the other hand, the application of a probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) analysis method for the structural reliability assessment of pressure components has become attractive recently because uncertainties related to influence parameters can be incorporated rationally. A probabilistic approach has already been adopted as the regulation on fracture toughness requirements against PTS events in the U.S. According to the PFM analysis method in the U.S., through-wall cracking frequencies (TWCFs) are estimated taking frequencies of event occurrence and crack arrest after crack initiation into consideration. In this study, in order to identify the conservatism in the current RPV integrity assessment procedure in the code, probabilistic analyses on TWCF have been performed for certain model of RPVs. The result shows that the current assumption in JEAC 4206-2007, that a semi-elliptic axial crack is postulated on the inside surface of RPV wall, is conservative as compared with realistic conditions. Effects of variation of PTS transients on crack initiation frequency and TWCF have been also discussed.


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