Analysis to predict the shapes of growing stress corrosion cracks in BWR piping welds

A model has been developed to predict the shape during growth and lifetime to failure for stress corrosion cracks in boiling water reactor (BWR) piping. The primary emphasis for this project was on large diameter recirculation piping. The results of sensitivity studies performed with the model are presented in this report. It was found, for the ranges of variables examined, that the primary influence on crack shape is stress distribution. Somewhat smaller effects on crack shape growth result from the absolute stress magnitude, changes in growth kinetics and changes in initial flaw geometry. The manner in which each of the variables affects lifetime to failure is also examined