Failure probability and optimum microstructure of pressure vessel steels

This paper presents a method for assessing the probability of brittle fracture in steels used for nuclear power generating equipment. The method is based on a statistical analysis of microstructural parameters and on physical models of the initiation and propagation of cleavage microcracks. The least probability of brittle failure ascertained by this method has been utilized for determining the optimum ferrite grain size. This method represents a foundation for systematic control of the brittle fracture characteristics of engineering steels employed for the components of nuclear power stations.