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U.S. Department of Energy
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Probability of pipe failure in the reactor coolant loops of Combustion Engineering PWR plants. Volume 2. Pipe failure induced by crack growth

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6425305· OSTI ID:6425305
A study was conducted to determine if the probability of occurrence of a double-ended guillotine break (DEGB) in the primary coolant piping warrants the current design requirements that safeguard against the effect of DEGB. This report describes the results of an assessment of reactor coolant loop piping systems designed by Combustion Engineering, Inc. A probabilistic fracture mechanics approach was used to estimate the crack growth and to assess the crack stability in the piping throughout the lifetime of the plant. The results of the assessment indicate that the probability of occurrence of DEGB due to crack growth and instability is extremely small, which supports the argument that the postulation of DEGB in design should be eliminated and replaced with more reasonable criteria.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
6425305
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-3663-Vol.2; UCRL-53500-Vol.2; ON: TI84013378
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English