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A review on crack growth simulation for estimating failure probability of pipes in nuclear power plants

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Abstract

Crack growth simulation methods for estimating the failure probability of pipes in nuclear power plants were reviewed. A number of simulation programs have been developed by some authors and used effectively to estimate the failure probability of pipes. From the simulation results, it was found that the failure probability results were sensitive to several important input variables, including crack depth distribution, crack density, and performance level of inspections. Accurate input data should be provided to obtain confident results. The crack growth simulation is a convenient method to examine the effects of changes in design and operation variables. However, using this method as a regulatory tool has some challenges because the simulation results are too sensitive to the input variables. The input variables and equations must be defined carefully in relevant codes and regulations to use the crack growth simulation method as a regulatory tool. A fictitious crack size distribution may be used, which shows similar crack size distribution during plant operation.

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  1. Department of Safety Engineering, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdaero, E8-3, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea

    Jai Hak Park

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Park, J.H. A review on crack growth simulation for estimating failure probability of pipes in nuclear power plants. JMST Adv. 5, 1–11 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42791-023-00048-8

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