The analysis of underclad cracks in large-scale tests using the local approach to cleavage fracture
- Electricite de France, Moret-sur-Loing (France). Research and Development Branch
Electricite de France has conducted a large program including experiments on large-size cladded specimens and their interpretations to evaluate different methods of fracture analysis used in French safety studies regarding the risk of fast fracture in reactor pressure vessels. Four specimens made of ferritic steel A508 C13 with stainless steel cladding, containing small artificial underclad defects, have been tested in four-point bending. Experiments have been conducted at very low temperature, and crack instability by cleavage fracture without crack arrest was obtained in base metal. The tests have been interpreted using the local approach to cleavage fracture (Weibull model) by two-dimensional finite element computations. The Weibull model parameters have been determined using axisymmetrical notched specimens. The probability of failure has been evaluated in each test using finite element analyses with varying mesh sizes. The results show an important effect of the size of the elements at the crack tip on the calculated probability of failure. Those effects are confirmed using the model of a CT specimen. Also discussed is the shallow flaw effect with the Weibull model.
- OSTI ID:
- 544231
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950618-; TRN: IM9749%%183
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 27. ASTM symposium on fatigue and fracture mechanics, Williamsburg, VA (United States), 26-29 Jun 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Fatigue and fracture mechanics: 27. volume; Piascik, R.S.; Newman, J.C. Jr.; Dowling, N.E. [eds.]; PB: [650] p.; ASTM special technical publication 1296
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Local approach of cleavage fracture applied to a vessel with subclad flaw: A benchmark on computational simulation
Effects of torsional buckling on the cleavage failure of low-alloy steel tension pipe specimens