Fracture mechanics evaluation of heavy welded structures

Conference · Sat May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Proc. Am. Power Conf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5113624

Sprung, I; Ericksson, C W; Zilberstein, V A

This paper describes some applications of nondestructive examination (NDE) and engineering fracture mechanics to evaluation of flaws in heavy welded structures. The paper discusses not only widely recognized linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) analysis, but also methods of the elastic-plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM), such as COD, J-integral, and Failure Assessment Diagram. Examples are given to highlight the importance of interaction between specialists providing input and the specialists performing the analysis. The paper points out that the critical parameters for as-welded structures when calculated by these methods are conservative since they are based on two pessimistic assumptions: that the magnitude of residual stress is always at the yield strength level, and that the residual stress always acts in the same direction as the applied (mechanical) stress. The suggestion is made that it would be prudent to use the COD or the FAD design curves for a conservative design. The appendix examines a J-design curve modified to include residual stresses.

• Research Organization: Stone and Webster Engineering Corp., Boston
• OSTI ID: 5113624
• Report Number(s): CONF-820465-; TRN: 84-008509
• Journal Information: Proc. Am. Power Conf.; (United States), Vol. 44; Conference: 44. annual meeting of the American Power Conference, Chicago, IL, USA, 26 Apr 1982
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
WELDED JOINTS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
IN-SERVICE INSPECTION
STEAM GENERATORS
FRACTURE MECHANICS
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
ULTRASONIC TESTING
PUMPS
SUPPORTS
ACOUSTIC TESTING
BOILERS
INSPECTION
JOINTS
MATERIALS TESTING
MECHANICS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
POWER PLANTS
TESTING
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
VAPOR GENERATORS
220900* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Reactor Safety