Progress of the 2000 Addenda of the RSE-M Code in Analytical Evaluationand Acceptance Criteria of Flaws

摘要

The RSE-M Code provides rules and requirements for in-service inspection of Pressurized Water Reactor power plantcomponents.This paper presents the main features of the Code in the field of flaw assessment procedures, comprising fracturemechanics analyses based on engineering methods, flaw acceptance criteria and codification of material characteristics.The Code gives non mandatory guidance for analytical evaluation of flaws. Influence coefficients used to calculate thestress intensity factors in pipes and shells containing semi-elliptical surface defects are given for a wide range of geometricalparameters. Simplified methods to calculate the J integral in a pipe containing a circumferentially oriented surface crack areavailable for mechanical loads (in-plane bending and torsional moments, pressure, tension), thermal loads as well as for thecombination of these loads.The rules that are used to verify the acceptability of flaws in components generally rely on deterministic criteriasupposed to ensure the safe operation of plants. Based on a probabilistic calibration methodology, partial safety factors onthe main random variables involved in flaw assessments (loading, crack size, yield strength and material toughness) aregiven for each category of operating conditions (A, C or D) and for the possible failure modes (plastic collapse, ductiletearing or brittle fracture).The Code gives data on the mechanical properties of main base and weld materials used in primary and secondarySystems of the NSSS.