Guideline on probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis for Japanese reactor pressure vessels

Katsuyama, Jinya  ; Osakabe, Kazuya*; Uno, Shumpei; Li, Y. ; Yoshimura, Shinobu*

A structural integrity assessment methodology based on probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) is a rational methodology in evaluating failure frequency of reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) by considering the probabilistic distributions of various influence factors related to the aged degradation. We have developed a PFM analysis code PASCAL to evaluate the failure frequency of RPVs considering the neutron irradiation embrittlement and pressurized thermal shock (PTS) events. We have also developed a guideline on the structural integrity assessment of RPVs based on PFM to improve the applicability of PFM in Japan and to be able to perform the PFM analyses and evaluate through-wall cracking frequency of RPVs. The technical basis for PFM analysis is provided and the latest knowledge is included in the guideline. In this paper, an overview of the guideline and some typical analysis results obtained based on the guideline and Japanese database related to PTS evaluation are presented.