Numerical Prediction of Maximum Load-Carrying Capacity of Cracked Alloy 690TT Steam Generator Tubes

This paper presents a finite element (FE) simulation technique to predict maximum load-carrying capacity of cracked steam generator tubes and its application to Alloy 690TT tubes. The simulation method is based on a simplified version of the stress modified fracture strain model. The damage model is determined from tensile test and one cracked tube test data. Predicted maximum pressures are compared with 23 test data of axial through-wall and surface cracked Alloy 690TT steam generator tubes. Comparison with experimental data shows good agreement.