Application of fracture mechanics to nuclear power stations

An overall requirement for nuclear power station components is safety. The conventional material testing methods are inadequate to solving problems on the phenomena and nature of fractures. The introduction of new fracture mechanics methods is proposed which are based on: (1) a relation between the geometrical factor and stresses which induce fracture, (2) analytical calculations for the geometrical factor, and (3) experimental techniques. The results of calculations are used to evaluate the periods for reactor component inspection. (P.J.)