Development of Burst Pressure Estimation Equations for Steam Generator Tubes With Multiple Axial Surface Crack

In this paper, the burst pressure estimation equations for steam generator tubes with multiple axial surface cracks are proposed based on the local collapse load approach concept. The proposed equations are for a single axial surface crack, two collinear axial surface cracks and two non-aligned axial surface cracks. The proposed equations are validated against experimental tube burst test results and finite element damage analysis for twin cracks. Predicted burst pressures agree well with the experimental results and FE analysis results, suggesting validity of the proposed equations to estimate burst pressures for twin axial surface cracks.