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2008
Conference Paper
Titel
PVrisk: An approach integrating non-destructive testing and probabilistic fracture mechanics
Abstract
The integration of non-destructive testing and probabilistic fracture mechanics offers the possibility to gain realistic fracture mechanical assessment results considering nearly all uncertainties of the input values. Therefore, a probabilistic analysis has to be performed using distributions instead of discrete values as input parameters. This concept was realized with the developed software PVrisk which allows deterministic, parametric and probabilistic analysis of cracks and flaws in pipelines, tubes and pressure vessels. The probabilistic approach is based on a Monte Carlo simulation. The features of the software are implemented in accordance to accepted standards and design rules. The capabilities of the PVrisk software are outlined. Several examples are shown and advances and limitations will be discussed. The software was especially designed for taking non-destructive testing results into account. This possibility is strongly related to the probabilistic assessment. Therefore, the probability of detection of a non-destructive testing method has to be considered. Using non-destructive evaluation methods for inspection larger cracks can be detected in advance and the component will be repaired or replaced. This assumption forms the base of a probabilistic analysis under consideration of the probability of detection of the used non-destructive testing method. The result is a refined analysis. Furthermore, the efficiency of a non-destructive testing method can be evaluated. The result of a probabilistic analysis is a probability of failure. There are several possibilities to visualize the results of such an analysis. Different concepts and possibilities are regarded and the salient features are discussed.