Fatigue Assessment in Light Water Reactors for Long Term Operation

Good Practices and Lessons Learned

Edited by International Atomic Energy Agency

Fatigue is a major element in time limited ageing analysis for long term operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs). It is important to understand how cracks occur and grow as a result of fatigue, and then assess fatigue failure. In the design and operating phase of NPPs, it is essential to consider the concurrent loadings associated with the design transients, thermal stratification, seismically induced stress cycles, and all relevant loads due to the various operational modes. After repeated cyclic loading, crack initiation can occur at the most highly affected locations if sufficient localized micro-structural damage has accumulated. This publication provides practical guidelines on how to identify and manage fatigue issues in NPPs. It explains the mechanism of fatigue, identifies which elements are the major contributors, and details how fatigue can be minimized in the design phase for new NPPs.

Bernan Distribution / International Atomic Energy Agency

Pages: 156 • Trim: 8½ x 11¾

978-92-0128222-4 • Hardback • July 2023 • $65.00 • (£50.00)

Subjects: Technology & Engineering / Power Resources / General

Fatigue Assessment in Light Water Reactors for Long Term Operation

Good Practices and Lessons Learned

Hardback

Summary

Fatigue is a major element in time limited ageing analysis for long term operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs). It is important to understand how cracks occur and grow as a result of fatigue, and then assess fatigue failure. In the design and operating phase of NPPs, it is essential to consider the concurrent loadings associated with the design transients, thermal stratification, seismically induced stress cycles, and all relevant loads due to the various operational modes. After repeated cyclic loading, crack initiation can occur at the most highly affected locations if sufficient localized micro-structural damage has accumulated. This publication provides practical guidelines on how to identify and manage fatigue issues in NPPs. It explains the mechanism of fatigue, identifies which elements are the major contributors, and details how fatigue can be minimized in the design phase for new NPPs.

Details

Bernan Distribution / International Atomic Energy Agency

Pages: 156 • Trim: 8½ x 11¾

978-92-0128222-4 • Hardback • July 2023 • $65.00 • (£50.00)

Subjects: Technology & Engineering / Power Resources / General

Author

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the world's center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world's "Atom's for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies.