Weibull probability distribution for reactor steel 20MnMoNi55 cleavage fracture in transition temperature

Abstract

This paper presents the results and methods used for determining of fracture toughness of reactor steel, denoted as 20MnMoNi55, typically used for structures working at low temperatures, in transition temperature area. In addition, the effect of test specimen geometry and temperature on fracture toughness was investigated in order to predict the fracture behavior and probability of failure. Failure probabilities (i.e. cleavage fracture) in the function of J(c) for large test specimens, CT100 and CT200 were determined based on the results obtained by testing of small CT50 specimens, for the purpose of direct savings and decreased costs of specimen testing. Failure probability, represented using Weibull distribution of experimental data, will provide a clear insight into material behavior at different temperatures. Other factors affecting the obtained test results will also be discussed.