Burst pressure estimation equations for steam generator tubes with multiple axial surface cracks

Abstract

This paper proposes burst pressure estimation equations for steam generator tubes with multiple axial surface cracks, based on the local collapse load approach concept. The proposed equations are for a single axial surface crack, two collinear axial surface cracks and two non-aligned axial surface cracks. The proposed equations are validated against experimental tube burst test results. Predicted burst pressures agree well with the experimental results, suggesting validity of the proposed equations to estimate burst pressures for multiple axial surface cracks.