FUNDAMENTAL MODELING OF ENVIRONMENTAL CRACKING FOR IMPROVED DESIGN AND LIFETIME EVALUATION IN BWRS

An approach for improved design and lifetime evaluation of environment al cracking is presented based on fundamental modeling of the underlyi ng processes operative in crack advance. In outlining this approach an d its application in energy industries, the requirements for a life pr ediction methodology will be highlighted and the shortcomings of the e xisting design and lifetime evaluation codes will be discussed. Exampl es will be given of its use in a variety of cracking systems, such as stainless steels and nickel alloys in hot water, and irradiation assis ted stress corrosion cracking.