Assessment of σd approach for creep damage estimation of FBR components with crack like defects at welds

The creep damage estimation procedure provided in RCC-MR: Appendix A16 which is based on the sigma(d) approach, is investigated by predicting the creep crack initiation life of two pre-cracked standard CT specimens machined from welded austenitic stainless steel plates, subjected to constant axial loading. The analysis indicates that the present version of A16 over-predicts the life. Hence, modifications are suggested for At 6 including the effects of the hydrostatic stress component, after numerical investigation. The improved procedure predicts the experimental creep initiation life reasonable closely. Based on the investigations, RCC-MR: A 16 may consider the revised procedure to estimate the creep damage of structures with geometrical singularity. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.