Prediction of Collapse Load Reduction due to Non-Aligned Multiple Flaws

Abstract

Abstract Fitness-for-Service (FFS) codes, such as ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code, Section XI, have flaw characterization rules for evaluation of structural integrity. Since stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and thermal fatigue frequently cause multiple flaws, FFS codes should have proximity rules as a part of flaw characterization rules. The flaw characterization rules should consider fracture modes, such as brittle fracture, ductile fracture, and plastic collapse. Those in the current codes are not divided by the fracture modes. Especially, application of the current proximity rules to plastic collapse of non-aligned multiple flaws should be validated because there are few studies for this issue. Thus, fracture tests of flat plates with through-wall flaws and finite element analysis (FEA) were conducted for predicting collapse loads due to plastic collapse. A series of the fracture tests of flat plates with non-aligned two flaws has been conducted, and a trend between the load reduction and the flaw locations was shown from the results. This trend shows that the defined net-section for non-aligned multiple flaw dominate the collapse load. For the validation the trend shown by the fracture tests, FEA was performed for predicting the measured collapse load. Equivalent plastic strain around a flaw tip dominates a collapse behavior, and an equivalent plastic strain at collapse called as fracture strain was determined for FEA. The collapse loads predicted by the fracture strain are correspond with the test results for any flaw locations. FEA conditions can interpolate and cover a wide range of flaw locations conducted by the tests. The load ratios which represent effect of flaw interaction on a collapse load were estimated by parametric FEA. The ratios were mapped to investigate the trend of the effect on a collapse load. The mapped results show that the load ratio depends on a shorter flaw length of two flaws. This trend shown by the analysis results is corresponds with the fracture test results. These results are fundamental idea to make a flaw characterization rule in the FFS codes, such as ASME BPVC Section XI, for ductile fracture evaluation.