Abstract
This paper presents an application of Fracture Mechanics for a statically indeterminate structure to a pressurized thermal shock (PTS) problem of pressure vessel of PWR. This method is efficient to clarify the mechanical characteristics of PTS event. The following results were obtained:
1) Stress intensity factor (K) under PTS is affected by the compliance of the shell of pressure vessel.
2) The bending moment occurred by flexural constraint is important for K under PTS.
3) As a new test method of PTS simulation with high precision, 4-point bending of a plate with axial load is proposed.
