Dynamic Strain Aging on the Leak-Before-Break Analysis in SA106 Gr.C Piping Steel

The effect of dynamic strain aging (DSA) on the leak-before-break (LBB) analysis was estimated through the evaluation of leakage-size-crack and flaw stability in SA106 Gr.C piping steel. Also. the results were represented as a form of "LBB allowable load window". In the DSA temperature region. the leakage-size-crack length was smaller than that at other temperatures and it increased with increasing tensile strain rate. In the results of flaw stability analysis. the lowest instability load appeared at the temperature corresponding to minimum J- R curve which was caused by DSA. The instability load near the plant operating temperature depended on the loading rate of J-R data. and decreased with increasing tensile strain rate. These are due to the strain hardening characteristic and strain rate sensitivity of DSA. In the "LBB allowable load window". LBB allowable region was the narrowest at the temperature and loading conditions where DSA occurs.