Planning and use of condition-dependent NDT for the interaction between fracture mechanics and quantitative NDT

The proof of safety for reactor components is generally based on non-destru ctive testing results, which much be evaluated in reference to their safety relevance. The use of fracture mechanics concepts in flaw evaluations requ ires the quantification of the dependencies between flaw geometry, material characteristics, and load condition. The solution consists of the combinat ion of optimal test preparation using computer-aided design software module s and modeling of the inspection, a quantitative flaw testing using qualifi ed reconstruction methods and qualification procedures of the material para meters like fracture toughness. Besides the discussion of the condition-dep endent strategies of lifetime management many results from large-scale roun d-robin testing concerning crack initiation parameters versus fracture toug hness or J-integral or ray tracing in connection with defect sizing in a CA D-environment are shown. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .