A method to predict failure pressures of steam generator tubes with multiple through-wall cracks

Abstract

This paper proposes a simple numerical method to predict burst pressures of steam generator tubes with multiple through-wall cracks, based on the stress-modified fracture strain damage model with stress reduction technique. For validation, simulated results using the proposed method are compared with 31 published experimental data of Alloy 600 plates and tubes with single or two through-wall cracks, showing that predicted loads are within 10% of experimentally-measured ones for all cases considered. Furthermore, a parametric study is performed to investigate the interaction effect of two through-wall cracks in Alloy 600 steam generator tubes under internal pressure. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.