Integration of nondestructive examination reliability and fracture mechanics

A multi-year program at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory is in progress to determine the reliability of ultrasonic ISI that is performed on light-water reactor primary systems, using probabilistic fracture mechanics (FM) analysis to determine the impact of NDE unreliability on system safety, and to evaluate advanced ultrasonic techniques. This paper is a review of the last year's highlights. Emphasis is placed upon the results of a pipe inspection round robin, advanced technique evaluation joint study with Westinghouse, qualification document, underclad crack detection studies, and an FM analysis using the PRAISE code for studying inspection parameters. (author)