B. Hosemann et al., EXAMPLES OF INTERACTION BETWEEN FRACTURE-MECHANICS AND OTHER SAFETY-RELATED REQUIREMENTS DERIVED FROM SIDES, International journal of pressure vessels and piping, 65(3), 1996, pp. 317-325
The structural reliability of safety-related components throughout the
whole plant service life is of paramount importance. This fact must b
e fully taken into account in the overall safety strategy for the liqu
id metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR). The demonstration of structural
integrity is facilitated if it is carried out within the framework of
the structural integrity demonstration strategy (SIDES). The lines of
defence (LOD) method enables this demonstration to be undertaken in d
ifferent ways. Complementary LOD are based on break-exclusion, leak-be
fore-break and leak-tightness concepts. Fracture mechanics represents
an important part of the strategy. However, a full application of frac
ture mechanics to the LMFBR requires further R&D work.