Improvements to a probabilistic fracture mechanics code for evaluating the integrity of a RPV under transient loading

Probabilistic fracture mechanics, which can evaluate the failure probability considering uncertainties in defect size, material properties, chemical compositions and non-destructive inspection, is a promising and rational methodology for assessing the reliability and integrity of structural components. In this paper, a description is given of a new probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis code which has been developed for evaluating the conditional probability of crack initiation and failure of a reactor pressure vessel under transient conditions such as a pressurized thermal shock. In addition, some improvements in the reliability and efficiency of probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis are reported and some results are presented to show their effectiveness. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.