Citation

Yamaguchi A, Kondo S, Togo Y. Reliab. Eng. 1983; 5(1): 21-36.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1983, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0143-8174(83)90016-1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Problems on reliability of structural integrity occupy an important position in various aspects of nuclear reactor safety. In the present paper, an effective method for quantitative evaluation of structural reliability based on 'stress strength model' is developed with the objectives of taking a larger number of factors into the evaluation than before and giving useful results within moderate computing time. The method is applied to the reliability analysis of PWR pressure vessels. The results show the relative importance of inspection as well as the parameter uncertainty for assuring the reliability of the structure, although analysis is limited within the scope of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). This case study also shows that the analysis of structural reliability is effective for safety assessment of nuclear power plants in general and possibly for the improvements of the consistency in the design code.