Validation of constraint-based assessment methodology in structural integrity

Objective

At present, there is a disparity between the characteristics measured on nuclear reactor components and test specimens. In particular, in the pattern of crack-tip stresses and strains causing plastic flow and fracture (the so-called constraint effect). Crack-tip constraint in components is generally lower than in test specimens and effective toughness is correspondingly higher. The toughness measured on standard test specimens is therefore likely to underestimate that exhibited by cracks in components. The purpose of this project is to develop and validate, by an iterative process of experiment and analysis, innovative procedures for assessing possible states of crack-tip constraint in ageing nuclear pressure boundary components.

This will provide nuclear plant operators and regulators with:
(i) improved predictions of safety margins under normal and abnormal conditions, using a validated defect assessment methodology;
(ii) improved lifetime extension arguments.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › other engineering and technologies › nuclear engineering

Programme(s)

• FP5-EAECTP C - Research and training programme (Euratom) in the field of nuclear energy (1998 to 2002)

Topic(s)

• 2.1.2.-1.1.1 - Integrity of equipment and structures

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

SERCO LTD

Address

The Quadrant 404, Birchwood Park
WA3 6AT Warrington
United Kingdom

Participants (12)

AEA TECHNOLOGY PLC

United Kingdom

Address

329,harwell 329
OX11 0QJ Didcot,harwell,chilton

BRITISH NUCLEAR FUELS PLC

United Kingdom

Address

Hinton House, Risley
WA3 6AS Warrington

COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE

France

Address

Dmt/semt/lisn, Batiment 607
91191 Gif Sur Yvette

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Netherlands

Address

Westerduinweg 3
1755 ZG Petten

E.ON KERNKRAFT GMBH

Germany

Address

Tresckowstraße 5
Hannover

Links

ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE

France

Address

1,avenue Du General De Gaulle 1
92141 Clamart

FRAMATOME ANP GMBH

Germany

Address

Freyeslebenstrasse 1
91058 Erlangen

NUCLEAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE REZ A.S.

Czechia

Address

Rez 130
250 68 Rez - Praha

OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY

United States

Address

Bear Creek Road
37831-8063 Oak Ridge

SOCIETE FRAMATOME

France

Address

Tour Framatome
92084 Paris La Defense

TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

Finland

Address

3,kemistintie 3
02044 Espoo

UNIVERSITAET STUTTGART

Germany

Address

Pfaffenwaldring 32
70569 Stuttgart