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Title: HFIR Vessel Probabilistic Fracture Analysis, Considering Success of Hydrostatic Proof Tests

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/3427· OSTI ID:3427

Periodic hydrostatic proof testing and probabilistic fracture mechanics analyses are performed to demonstrate the structural integrity and useful life of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) pressure vessel. Calculations of the hydro-test conditions (pressure, temperature, and frequency) and of the probability of failure account for vessel degradation (flaw growth and radiation-induced embrittlement) that takes place between tests and of the credible worst-case-operating condition. The specified useful life of the vessel is limited by specified maximum permissible calculated probabilities of failure for hydro-test and worst-case-operating conditions. The probability of failure can be calculated with or without accounting for the success (absence of failure) of a test, but if success is accounted for, the calculated probabilities are less and thus the maximum permissible life greater. This report describes a simple method for including the success of a test.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (NE) (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464
OSTI ID:
3427
Report Number(s):
ORNL/TM-13376; TRN: US0101402
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 1 Jan 1999
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English