Papers by Keyword: Leak-Before-Break (LBB)

Abstract: The present study is a systematic investigation of the effects of microstructural changes, which have originated from the variations of filler metals and welding processes, on the J-R properties of simulated welds. Two AISI Type 347 weld metals, with different carbon contents, deposited by a GTAW process and two AISI Type 347 weld metals, with different carbon contents, deposited by a SMAW process were used in this study. The J-R tests were conducted at 316oC (600oF). The welds deposited by the GTAW process showed higher fracture resistances when compared to the welds deposited by the SMAW process. The J-R fracture resistance of the Type 347-GTAW processed weld with high carbon content was remarkably low when compared to the weld with low carbon. The J-R fracture resistances were decreased by coarse Nb(C, N) precipitates in the Type 347 weld deposited by the GTAW process. In the case of the SMAW welds, mainly coarse Ti-rich particles which had originated from the shielding of the welding rods deteriorated the fracture resistances.

Abstract: In this study, the plastic η -factors of the SA508Cl.1a narrow-gap welding part, which is used for the primary piping system in a nuclear power plant were obtained by using finite element analysis and the modified fracture toughness testing method was suggested for the narrow-gap welding part. Also, we have performed the fracture toughness test for the SA508Cl.1a narrow-gap welding part by applying the new testing method and then we compared the results with those from the ASTM fracture toughness test.

Abstract: In order to perform elastic-plastic fracture mechanical analyses, fracture resistance curves for concerned materials are required. A standard CT specimen was used to obtain fracture resistance curves. However the fracture resistance curve by the standard CT specimen was very conservative to evaluate the integrity of the structure. Also the fracture resistance curve was affected by the specimen geometry, crack plane orientation, reverse cyclic loading and dynamic strain aging. The objective of this paper is to be certain the conservativeness of the fracture resistance curve by the standard CT specimen. For these purpose, fracture tests using the real-scale pipe specimen and standard CT specimen test were performed. A 4-point bending jig was manufactured for the pipe test and the direct current potential drop method was used to measure the crack extension and the length for the pipe test. From the result of the pipe and the standard CT specimen tests, it was observed that the fracture resistance curve of the standard CT specimen test was conservative compare to that of the pipe specimen test.