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Pressurized-thermal-shock test of 6-in. -thick pressure vessels. PTSE-1: investigation of warm prestressing and upper-shelf arrest. [PWR; BWR]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5680504
The first pressurized-thermal-shock test of a 148-mm-thick steel pressure vessel with a 1-m-long flaw was performed to investigate fracture behavior of a vessel under conditions relevant to a flawed nuclear reactor pressure vessel during an overcooling accident. The objectives were to observe crack arrest and stability on the ductile upper shelf and the effects of warm prestressing on crack initiation. Three coordinated pressure and thermal transients were imposed on the vessel, which was preheated to approx.290/sup 0/C. Two episodes of crack propagation and arrest occurred. The thermal transients were induced by coolant at -29 to 15/sup 0/C. Pressure transients were as high as 94.4 MPa. The experimental objectives were attained. The inhibiting effects of warm prestressing were definitely demonstrated. Crack propagation was nearly pure cleavage. Fracture-mechanics analysis of brittle fracture based on small-specimen toughness measurements was reasonably accurate.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5680504
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-4106; ORNL-6135; ON: TI85010580
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English