Sensitivity of Engineering Critical Assessmentof Through-Thickness Axial Flaws on Pressure Equipment

This paper deals with a sensitivity analysis of engineering critical assessment, using a fracture assessment diagram of through-thickens axial flaws on pressure equipment. Basic option calculations are performed per BS 7910, using engineering fracture mechanics principles, followed by the provision of assessment points. For evaluation purposes, arbitrary design properties of pressure equipment and temperature-dependent materials properties were used. Several through-thickness axial flaw sizes were used for critical assessment. Furthermore, the sensitivity of critical assessment is evaluated by varying stress states and material fracture toughness. Finally, the sensitivity analysis shows how axial flaw growth may become critical, or its acceptability, depending on varying stress states and temperature-dependent material properties, on selected pressure equipment.