A REASSESSMENT OF FRACTURE-SAFE OPERATING CRITERIA FOR REACTOR VESSEL STEELS BASED ON CHARPY-V PERFORMANCE.
Abstract
Fracture-safe operating criteria for commerical nuclear pressure vessels based on Fracture Analysis Diagram procedures and Charpy-V energy trends are reappraised with respect to the effects of thick-section mechanical constraint and low Charpy-V shelf energies resulting from neutron irradiation. Comparisons of the Charpy-V test with the more definitive Dynamic Tear test procedures indicate the former to be an acceptable means of assessing the fracture toughness of A533-B steel. The mechanical constraint associated with 12-in. thicknesses of this steel suggests the addition of 70F (39C) to the existing criterion requiring vessel operation above NDT + 60F (33C). Ratio Analysis Diagram procedures are shown to be useful in interpreting Charpy-V shelf level data obtained from vessel surveillance programs in terms of critical toughness levels relating to brittle fracture. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 08, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0711845
Entities
People
- C. Z. Serpan Jr.
- Frank J. Loss
- J. Russell Hawthorne
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory