Improvements to a probabilistic fracture mechanics code for evaluating the integrity of a RPV under transient loading

摘要

Probabilistic fracture mechanics, which can evaluate the failure probability considering uncertainties in defect size, material properties, chemical compositions and non-destructive inspection, is a promising and rational methodology for assessing the reliability and integrity of structural components. In this paper, a description is given of a new probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis code which has been developed for evaluating the conditional probability of crack initiation and failure of a reactor pressure vessel under transient conditions such as a pressurized thermal shock. In addition, some improvements in the reliability and efficiency of probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis am reported and some results are presented to show their effectiveness.