Pressure-Tube Failure Probability Assessment for a Pressure-Tube Nuclear Reactor

摘要

A probabilistic model based on linear elastic fracture mechanics has been developed and applied to the N Reactor pressure tubes. The model tracks, as a function of time, the probability of wall penetration due to crack growth, the probability of brittle fracture (fracture toughness exceeded), and the probability of exceeding ASME Section XI code safety margins. Both normal operation and selected accidents (safe shutdown earthquake and pressure tube rupture event) were analyzed. Results help to define the future surveillance program for the pressure tubes. (ERA citation 12:043333)