Papers by Author: Eui Gyun Na

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to find out the AE characteristics and fracture mechanisms through AE signal analysis for the weldment, PWHT specimen and basemetal of the pressure vessel steel. Charpy sized specimens were taken from the multi-passed weld block. Specimens were given to four point bend and AE tests. Lots of AE signals were emitted from the weldment compared with the basemetal and PWHT specimen. Besides, amplitude for the weldment was the largest, followed by PWHT specimen and basemetal and more AE counts for the weldment were emitted in the process of deformation. Lots of microcracks around the notch for the weldment were formed so that more AE signals were produced. In addition, second phase particle such as MgO for the basemetal acts as AE source. However, in case of weldment, debonding mechanisms between matrix and hard oxides which are formed during welding in air attributed to the emission of AE signals and softened particles for the PWHT specimen cause to produce the low level AE signals.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the structural integrity of the breech system used for a thick-walled cylinder subjected to pulsating high internal pressure, fatigue life simulation of a breech system was performed. A stress analysis of the breech was performed to locate the critical region vulnerable to crack initiation. Low-cycle fatigue behavior of the breech material was investigated to obtain the fatigue crack initiation properties. Elastic-plastic finite element stress analysis resulted in a stress concentration at the breech ring groove root. Strains at the breech ring and block were experimentally measured using strain gages and resulted in similar values compared to the calculated strains. Local strain approach was employed to estimate the fatigue life of the breech system for crack initiation at the groove root of the breech ring. Fatigue tests using simulation specimens were performed and an averaged fatigue life was obtained, showing a very good agreement with the calculated fatigue life within a factor of two.