Evaluation of the Integrity of PWR Bimetallic Welds

This paper presents the state of the art and the progress made in the numerical simulation of the stress state in a complex multi-material structure, using not only sophisticated finite element tools, but also the simplified engineering methods. A comparison of the numerical results concerning residual stresses is made with those measured using X-ray diffraction method and incremental hole-drilling technique. Finally, an example is given on the analysis of a fully circumferential crack in a typical bimetallic weld under pressure, thermal, and residual stresses. [S0094-9930(00)00703-4]