Evaluation of RPV according to alternative fracture toughness requirements

Recently, US NRC revised fracture toughness requirements as 10CFR50.61a to reduce the conservatism of 10CFR50.61. However, unlike previous studies relating to the initial regulation, structural integrity evaluations based on the alternative regulation are not sufficient. In the present study, PTS and P-T limit curve evaluations were carried out by using both regulations and resulting data were compared. With regard to the PTS evaluation, the results obtained from the alternative requirements were satisfied with the criterion whereas those obtained from the initial requirements did not meet the criterion. Also, with regard to the P-T limit curve evaluation, operating margin by 10CFR50.61a was greater than that by 10CFR50.61.