TECHNOLOGY OF STEEL PRESSURE VESSELS FOR WATER-COOLED NUCLEAR REACTORS REVIEW OF CURRENT PRACTICE IN DESIGN, ANALYSIS, MATERIALS, FABRICATION, INSPECTION, AND TEST

摘要

The current practices in the design and fabrication of steel pressure vessels for light-water-cooled nuclear reactors in present and immediate-future commercial use are reviewed. The specified service and predicted environmental conditions are identified, along with an evaluation of the effects of these parameters on materials behavior. Materials fabrication and materials properties of interest in pressure-vessel fabrication are reviewed, and the metallurgy of these materials is discussed. The basic aspects of fracture mechanics and crack growth are examined, with emphasis on the low-alloy steels of current interest. The codes and standards applied in the technology are discussed, and areas where augmentation and/or revision to these standards appears warranted are identified. The techniques for postoperational and in-service inspection are summarized and evaluated.