Joint program on detection and sizing of defects (PWS 7.701)

Within the framework of the cooperation between four teams of WESTINGHOUSE, EDF, CEA and FRAMATOME, a Round Robin Test was conducted on six ferritic steel test blocks in which defects were artificially induced in the welds. The first four blocks contain in all 45 welding defects, out of which 32 are planar and 13 volumetric. The block thicknesses vary between 120 mm and 300 mm. The two other blocks with a thickness of 250 mm each contain 8 fatigue cracks introduced by means of a welded insert. On account of the materials used here, thickness and weld type, these blocks are representative of the components used in a PWR vessels. The objectives of this program are the following: evaluate the test results for different methods used in the shop and on site; determine the parameters of ultrasonic tests which have the greatest effects on the detection and sizing of defects; improve the characterization of defects; compare the performance of the ultrasonic and radiographic methods and establish the limits of the methods in conventional shop conditions. The destructive examination of each block with allow this evaluation