S20: Materials data requirements in assessment of components operating in extreme environments

It is recognized that prevention of catastrophic structural failure requires the application of an integrated approach to assess the risk of damage initiation and propagation. This type of assessment should include knowledge of relevant materials properties as well as informed engineering analysis, quality assurance, plant monitoring and in-service inspection. Many approaches for assessing the performance of structures use a Failure Assessment Diagram, which requires evaluation of the potential for plastic instability and fast fracture, in addition to knowledge of component properties. It is frequently the case that, even when using published rules for making structural integrity assessments, the selection of relevant values still necessitate the use of expert technical judgement. The current symposium will provide an inclusive forum for consideration of how the challenges of describing relevant properties have been addressed for safe operation of components in extreme environments.

Contributions are invited on topics related to performance of components at elevated temperatures, such as steam piping and headers, and in aggressive media, including pipelines and vessels used for transmission and storage of low carbon energy carriers such as pressurized hydrogen gas or liquid ammonia. Topics for presentation at the symposium are expected to include the following areas:

  • Root Cause Analysis. Laboratory examination of ex-service components to understand and quantify the primary factors controlling damage development over time.
  • Scientific Excellence. This is achieved through expert design and execution of research projects. Mechanistically relevant, robust models for predicting materials performance, guiding materials selection and informed asset management are being established to describe and predict the behaviour of critical components.
  • Optimization of Manufacture. Composition and fabrication of system components and the associated methods of joining must be controlled to manage quality and minimize uncertainty. Thus, cost and value are balanced with system safety and reliability.
  • Damage Tolerance. Components which exhibit rapid crack growth and/or low toughness can be susceptible to fast fracture. Extreme environments can decrease the ‘window of opportunity’ for detecting and managing defects.

To ensure that the research achievements have maximum impact, EPRI has established a very wide range of methods for technology transfer. The diversity of approaches adopted ensures that all stakeholders can access, discuss, understand, and benefit from the available information.

Organizers

Jonathan Parker (Electric Power Research Institute, USA)
John Siefert (Electric Power Research Institute, USA)
Mike Gagliano (Electric Power Research Institute, USA)

Contact

Jonathan Parker (jparker@epri.com)