Papers by Author: T.R. Lee

Abstract: In this paper, the applicability of local approach is examined for SA515 Gr.60 nuclear steel through a series of finite element analyses incorporating modified GTN and Rousselier models as well as fracture toughness tests. To achieve the goal, fracture toughness test data of standard compact tension (CT) specimens are used for calibration of micro-mechanical parameters. Then, from finite element analyses employing the calibrated parameters, fracture resistance (J-R) curves of CT specimens with different crack length to width ratio, with different thickness and with/without 20% side-grooves are predicted. Finally, suitability of the numerically estimated J-R curves was verified by comparison with the corresponding experimental J-R curves.

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to investigate failure characteristics of SA508 carbon steel in ductile-brittle transition temperature region. To achieve this goal, a series of finite element analyses as well as fracture toughness tests are performed for pre-cracked V-notch specimens. An assessment of failure probabilities is, then, carried out employing Weibull stress models with different rank probability options. Finally, a prototype of toughness scale diagram is derived through comparison of estimated fracture toughness data with those for compact tension specimens. The present results can be utilized to found a basis of realistic integrity evaluation on major nuclear components containing defect.

Abstract: The scatter of measured fracture toughness data and transferability problems for specimens with different crack configurations and loading conditions are major obstacles for integrity assessment of ferritic steels in ductile-brittle transition region. To address these issues, recently, concerns for local approach adopting micro-mechanical damage models are being increased again in connection with a progress of computational technology. In this paper, cleavage fracture evaluation based on Weibull statistics was carried out for SA508 carbon steel. A series of three dimensional finite element analyses as well as corresponding fracture toughness tests were performed for 1T-CT and PCVN specimens at -60°C. Also, failure probability analyses for different configurations and sensitivity analyses for Weibull parameters were conducted. Thereby, promising results have been derived through comparison between measured and estimated fracture toughness data, which can be utilized to make the basis for demonstrating real safety margins of components containing defect.

Abstract: The influences of stress triaxiality on ductile fracture have been emphasized to explain the geometry independent fracture resistance characteristics of specimens and structures during past two decades. For the estimation of this material behavior, two-parameter global approach and local approach can be used as case by case manner. Recently, the interests for the local approach and micro-mechanical damage model are increased again due to progress of computational environments. In this paper, the applicability of the local approach has been assessed through a series of finite element analyses incorporating both modified GTN model and Rousselier model. The ductile crack growth behaviors are examined to guarantee the transferability on different sizes and geometries of C(T) specimens and SE(T) specimens. The material fitting constants are determined from calibration of tensile tests and numerical analyses results, and used to simulate the fracture behaviors of typical specimens. Then, a comparison is drawn between the numerically estimated crack resistance curves and experimentally determined ones. The comparison results show a good agreement and the two damage models are regarded as promising solutions for ductile crack growth simulation.