• 대한기계학회논문집A
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• 제27권11호
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• pp.1986-1996
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• 2003

Methodology based on the elastic-plastic fracture mechanics has been widely accepted in predicting the critical crack length(CCL) of pressure tubes of CANDU nuclear plants. A conservative estimate of CCL is obtained by employing the J-resistance curves measured with the specimens satisfying plane strain condition as suggested in the ASTM standard. Due to limited thickness of the pressure tubes the curved compact tension(CT) specimens taken out from tile pressure tube have been used in obtaining J-resistance curves. The curved CT specimen inevitably introduce slant fatigue crack during precracking. Hence, effect of specimen geometry and slant crack on J-resistance curve should be explored. In this study, the difference of J integral values between the standard CT specimens satisfying plane strain condition and the nonstandard curved CT with limited thickness (4.2mm) is estimated using finite element analysis. The fracture resistance curves of Zr-2.5Nb obtained previously by other authors are critically discussed. Various finite element analysis were conducted such as 2D analysis under plane stress and plane strain conditions and 3D analysis for flat CT, curved CT with straight crack and curved CT with slant crack front. J-integral values were determined by local contour integration near the crack tip, which was considered as accurate J-values. J value was also determined from the load versus load line displacement curve and the J estimation equation in the ASTM standard. Discrepancies between the two values were shown and suggestion was made for obtaining accurate J values from the load line displacement curves obtained by the curved CT specimens.

• 대한기계학회논문집A
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• 제29권8호
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• pp.1118-1122
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• 2005

The direct current potential drop (DCPD) method and the unloading compliance (UC) method with a crack opening displacement gauge were applied simultaneously to the Zr-2.5Nb curved compact tension (CCT) specimens to determine which of the two methods can precisely determine the crack initiation point and hence the crack length for evaluation of their fracture toughness. The DCPD method detected the crack initiation at a smaller load-line displacement compared to the UC method. As a verification, a direct observation of the fracture surfaces on the curved compact tension specimens was made on the CCT specimens experiencing either 0.8 to 1.0 mm load line displacement or various loads from $50\%\;to\;80\%$ of the maximum peak load, or $P_{max}$. The DCPD method is concluded to be more precise in determining the crack initiation and fracture toughness, J in Zr-2.5Nb CCT specimens than the UC method.