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Application of Master Curve fracture toughness methodology for ferritic steels. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:354977
 [1];  [2]; ;  [3];  [4];  [5]
  1. ATI Consulting (United States)
  2. Electric Power Research Inst. (United States)
  3. ABB-Combustion Engineering Nuclear Operations (United States)
  4. Framatome Technologies, Inc. (United States)
  5. Westinghouse Electric Corp. (United States)

This report provides background information and technical arguments in support of using the Master Curve fracture toughness approach to provide an alternative definition of the existing reference temperature (RT{sub NDT}) and statistically-defined fracture toughness curve(s) for ferritic pressure vessel steels. The origin and bases of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Sections III and XI, lower bound fracture toughness curves using the RT{sub NDT} referencing approach, are reviewed and contrasted with the new Master Curve Method. The activities of a task group of the Pressure Vessel Research Council are described as they relate to possible recommendations for incorporating the Master Curve methodology into the ASME Code. EPRI is publishing this report to formally document the 1970s bases for the current ASME Code reference temperature approach and lower bound fracture toughness curves, and to present alternatives that use more relevant and advanced fracture mechanics approaches.

Research Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); ATI Consulting (United States); ABB-Combustion Engineering Nuclear Operations (United States); Framatome Technologies, Inc. (United States); Westinghouse Electric Corp. (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
OSTI ID:
354977
Report Number(s):
EPRI-TR--108390
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English