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Title: Development of models for warm prestressing

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6574035

The objective of this project is to evaluate available mathematical models and associated fracture criteria for predicting warm prestress (WPS) effects. A verified model of the WPS phenomenon is required before credit for improved low temperature toughness can be taken in analysis of postulated accident scenarios such as pressurized thermal shock. The primary basis of evaluation is finite-element analysis using a highly refined mesh and work hardening, modeled by a piece-wise linear fit of stress-strain data. The criteria being evaluated are J/sub e/ (Chell, et al.), critical stress (Curry), T*/sub p/ (Atluri) and a criterion introduced herein which is related to differential CTOD and denoted dCTOD*FLOW. The finite element model is used to simulate a load-unload-cool-fracture (LUCF) type of WPS cycle for which experimental results are available. The various models and criteria are evaluated in terms of their agreement with the finite-element results such as crack opening displacements, stresses and plastic-zone sizes, and in terms of their ability to predict fracture load. The nonfinite-element-based models of Chell and Curry are used to simulate 32 additional WPS experiments so as to further assess the relative merits of the models and the J/sub e/, critical stress, and dCTOD*FLOW fracture criteria. While K/sub Ic/ scatter band behavior allows significant latitude for manipulation of model predictions, which impedes critical evaluation of the models and criteria, both models and all three fracture criteria are found to predict WPS behavior which is qualitatively consistent with experimental data.

Research Organization:
Computational Mechanics, Julian, PA (USA); PROSIG, Inc., Tulsa, OK (USA); Materials Engineering Associates, Inc., Lanham, MD (USA); Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (USA). Div. of Engineering Safety
OSTI ID:
6574035
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-4491; MEA-2122; ON: TI87900475; TRN: 87-019445
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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