Developments in fracture mechanics and non-destructive examination

The purpose of this chapter is to give a brief review of the major developments and trends that have occured in some of the technical areas covered by Division G of SMiRT since the first conference was held in Berlin in 1971. As with any human activity, time and experience produce organic change so that the technical areas covered by Division G have changed somewhat over the 18 years of its existence. As first conceived by Tom Jaeger, Division G was one of two divisions devoted to Light Water Reactor Components other than fuel and cladding. Division F was conceived with Core Structures and Piping while Division G was devoted to the Steel Reactor Pressure Vessels. (orig.)