Flaw tolerance of elevated temperature components designed to ASME code case 1592. 1. sustained loading

The flaw tolerance of AISI 304 stainless steel components designed according to ASME code case 1592 and subjected to elevated temperature sustained loading was evaluated. Creep rupture test results developed with precracked center-notched and compact type specimens were used to establish the useful service life of a pipe under internal pressure, a plate with geometric discontinuity in tension and a plate subjected to both tension and bending stresses. Components can tolerate relatively large crack-like defects with little impact on structural reliability. The crack sizes of concern are within the detection capability of nondestructive inspection procedures. 11 refs