Statistical fracture modeling of weld joint for nuclear reactor components

Probabilistic safety and risk assessment of nuclear reactor equipment are referred to as integrated safety assessment which is implemented by the application of probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM). Such a study is based on statistical simulation of weld damages under dynamic condition. Because of damage accumulation in welded nuclear reactor components under dynamic load, the need for evaluating the risk of fracture is apparent. This work considers the statistical simulation of dynamic damage of weld joint by fracture. Considered in the analysis are weld defects, damage accumulation, crack initiation and crack growth.