The SINTAP fracture toughness estimation procedure

The maximum likelihood (MML) procedure for the analysis of fracture toughne ss data generated at a single temperature that was developed for the SINTAP flaw assessment procedure is described. The procedure involves a series of steps to ensure that a Weibull toughness distribution fitted to experiment al data is conservative. Validation is provided by experimental data from w eld metal, heat affected zone and parent plate. Results are compared with t hose from assessments carried out to existing methods described in BSI PD64 93:1991 and BS 7910:1999. It is concluded that for small data sets, the MML procedure provides a greater level of consistency and reduces selection of potentially nonconservative fracture toughness values. (C) 2000 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.