Computational methods for fracture analysis of heavy-section steel technology (HSST) pressure vessel experiments

This paper summarizes the capabilities and applications of the general-purpose and special-purpose computer programs that have been developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for use in fracture mechanics analyses of HSST pressure vessel experiments. Emphasis is placed on the OCA/USA code, which is designed for analysis of pressurized-thermal-shock (PTS) conditions, and on the ORMGEN/ADINA/ORVIRT system which is used for more general analysis. Fundamental features of these programs are discussed, along with applications to pressure vessel experiments.