In this chapter some general concepts and criteria pertaining to Section VIII are discussed. These include allowable stress, factors of safety, joint efficiency factors, brittle fracture, fatigue, and pressure testing. Detailed design and analysis rules for individual components are discussed in subsequent chapters.

Since frequent reference will be made to ASME Section VIII Divisions 1 and 2, the following designation will be used from here on to facilitate such references. ASME Section VIII, Division 1 Code will be designated by VIII-1. Similarly, VIII-2 will designate the ASME Section VIII, Division 2 Code. Other ASME code sections such as Section II...