Abstract
We present the results of calculations of the kinetics of stress-strain state and stress intensity factors for surface and under-the-cladding circumferential cracks in modeling the emergency core cooldown conditions for the WWER-1000 reactor. The calculation procedure is based on a mixed finite-element method statement which provides stability of numerical solution and a high accuracy of results for both the displacements as well as stresses and strains. The authors analyze the influence of the density of the finite-element discretization of the crack-tip area for the surface and under-the-cladding circumferential cracks on the accuracy and convergence of computation of fracture-mechanics parameters in the modeling of thermal shock conditions. The results of calculation of kinetics of stress intensity factors allowing for the thermomechanical loading history and residual process-induced stress fields are reported. It is demonstrated that if the elastoplastic deformation history and residual process-induced stress fields are disregarded in the calculations of stress intensity factors for under-the-cladding cracks the reactor pressure vessel strength and lifetime may turn out to be overestimated.
Published Version
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