LARGE SCALE FRACTURE MECHANICS TESTING

This paper gives a short overview of experimental programs using large scale models/experiments realized in the Czech Republic with the aim to support the reactor pressure components of WWER type reactors. One part of the program was concentrated on reactor pressure vessel components only. It contained flat specimens with defects on one side and models with stress concentrators (nozzles, bolting joints) on the other side. Second part of the program was a part of the LBB (Leak-before-break) project applied to all WWER safety related pipings. Large scale models with defects, located in heterogenous (safe-end) as well as homogenous welds are described.