Abstract
The maximum likelihood (MML) procedure for the analysis of fracture toughness data generated at a single temperature that was developed for the SINTAP flaw assessment procedure is described. The procedure involves a series of steps to ensure that a Weibull toughness distribution fitted to experimental data is conservative. Validation is provided by experimental data from weld metal, heat affected zone and parent plate. Results are compared with those from assessments carried out to existing methods described in BSI PD6493:1991 and BS 7910:1999. It is concluded that for small data sets, the MML procedure provides a greater level of consistency and reduces selection of potentially non-conservative fracture toughness values.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 613 - 624 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Engineering Fracture Mechanics |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2000 |
| MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- weld metals
- fracture mechanics
- weak link
- heat affected zone
- structural assessment