Simulation of J sub(R)-curves for reactor pressure vessels steels on the basis of a ductile fracture model

A procedure for the prediction of J sub(R)-curves for reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) steels in the initial and embrittled states is presented. Prediction of the J sub(R)-curves is performed over the ductile fracture temperature range on the basis of a ductile fracture model. A procedure for the determination of ductile fracture model parameters based on tests of smooth and notched cylindrical specimens is proposed. The stress and strain fields near the stationary and growing crack tip are analyzed by FEM. Approximate analytical solutions for stress and strain fields near a growing crack tip are proposed. Comparison of the predicted J sub(R)-curves and experimental 2T-CT data for the initial and embrittled RPV 2Cr-Ni-Mo-V steels for WWER-1000 is performed.