Abstract
This paper describes the comparative study of two approaches to estimate
pipe leak and rupture frequencies for piping. One method is based on a
probabilistic fracture mechanistic model while the other one is based on
statistical estimation of rupture frequencies from a large database. In
order to be able to compare the approaches and their results, the
rupture frequencies of some selected welds have been estimated using
both of these methods. This paper highlights the differences both in
methods, input data, need and use of plant specific information and need
of expert judgement. The study focuses on one specific degradation
mechanism, namely the intergranular stress corrosion cracking. This is
the major degradation mechanism in old stainless steel piping in BWR
environment, and its growth is influenced by material properties,
stresses and water chemistry.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 65 - 74 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Reliability Engineering and System Safety |
Volume | 84 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2004 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- risk-informed in-service inspection
- fracture mechanics
- fracture
- probabilistic fracture mechanics
- pipe break frequencies
- intergranular stress corrosion cracking
- nuclear safety