A review of methods and applications of reliability analysis for structural integrity assessment of UK nuclear plant

摘要

This paper reviews methods and applications of reliability analysis for structural integrity assessment of UK nuclear plant. Following an introduction to formal reliability analysis three specific methods for determining the probability of failure of structural components are considered; probabilistic fracture mechanics, the use of failure statistics and expert elicitation. Applications of reliability analysis methods to nuclear components are then reviewed covering Light Water Reactor (LWR)pressure vessels, demonstration of incredibility of failure, Magnox reactor pressure vessels, prototype fast reactor components and risk-based inspection. The paper concludes by recognising that reliability analysis will play an increasing part instructural integrity safety cases.