Evaluations of Structural Failure Probabilities and Candidate Inservice Inspection Programs

Khaleel, Mohammad A. ; Simonen, Fredric A.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (U.S.)

关键词: Crack Propagation;    Welded Joints;    Pipes;    Fracture Mechanics;    Mathematical Models;   

DOI  :  10.2172/974009
RP-ID  :  NUREG/CR-6986
RP-ID  :  AC05-76RL01830
RP-ID  :  974009

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The work described in this report applies probabilistic structural mechanics models to predict the reliability of nuclear pressure boundary components. These same models are then applied to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative programs for inservice inspection to reduce these failure probabilities. Results of the calculations support the development and implementation of risk-informed inservice inspection of piping and vessels. Studies have specifically addressed the potential benefits of ultrasonic inspections to reduce failure probabilities associated with fatigue crack growth and stress-corrosion cracking. Parametric calculations were performed with the computer code pc-PRAISE to generate an extensive set of plots to cover a wide range of pipe wall thicknesses, cyclic operating stresses, and inspection strategies. The studies have also addressed critical inputs to fracture mechanics calculations such as the parameters that characterize the number and sizes of fabrication flaws in piping welds. Other calculations quantify uncertainties associated with the inputs calculations, the uncertainties in the fracture mechanics models, and the uncertainties in the resulting calculated failure probabilities. A final set of calculations address the effects of flaw sizing errors on the effectiveness of inservice inspection programs.