Parametric design of scaled-down pressurised thermal shock test specimens using inelastic analysis. (1st May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Coules, H.E.; Orrock, P.J.; Truman, C.E.
• Is Part Of: Engineering fracture mechanics. Volume 176(2017)
• Page Start: 308
• Page End: 325
• Publication Date: 2017-05-01
• Subjects: Thermal shock -- Finite element analysis -- Pressure vessel -- Spinning cylinder -- J-integral; Fracture mechanics -- Periodicals; Rupture, Mécanique de la -- Périodiques; Fracture mechanics; Periodicals; 620.112605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2017.03.040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-7944

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Thermal shock tests for nuclear reactor pressure vessels can be miniaturised. Models show that scaled-down tests can give equivalent fracture initiation conditions. Specimens equivalent to the NESC-1 thermal shock test have been designed. Abstract: Pressurised thermal shock tests that simulate fracture conditions relevant to nuclear reactor pressure vessels are difficult to perform and require very large specimens. This study examines the feasibility of scaled-down specimens to allow easier testing. A series of finite element models was used to design scaled-down specimens that produce a crack-driving force, crack tip temperature trajectory and constraint conditions very similar to those which occurred in a previous large-scale spinning cylinder experiment known as NESC-1. It is shown that equivalent conditions can be achieved in much smaller specimens than NESC-1 using a practical set of testing parameters.