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Application of the failure assessment diagram to the evaluation of pressure-temperature limits for a pressurized water reactor

Journal Article · · J. Pressure Vessel Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3264433· OSTI ID:6310378
The failure assessment diagram approach, an elastic-plastic fracture mechanics procedure based on the J-integral concept, was used in the evaluation of pressuretemperature (P-T) limits for the beltline region of the vessel of a pressurized water reactor. The main objective of this paper is to illustrate the application of an alternate fracture mechanics method for the evaluation of pressure-temperature limits, as allowed by the Code of the Federal Regulation 10 CFR 50, Appendix G. The maximum allowable pressure levels were calculated at 33 time points along the given reactor bulk coolant temperature history representing the normal operation of a pressurized water reactor. The results of the calculations showed that adequate margins of safety on operating pressure for the critical weld in the beltline of the pressurized water reactor vessel are assured.
Research Organization:
The Babcock and Wilcox Company, Nuclear Power Division, Lynchburg, VA
OSTI ID:
6310378
Journal Information:
J. Pressure Vessel Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pressure Vessel Technol.; (United States) Vol. 107:2; ISSN JPVTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English