This 3 day course is designed to give engineers involved in design, analysis, maintenance and inspections a working knowledge of basic fracture mechanics. The subject matter presented will include the basic theory of fracture mechanics, as well as its application to fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking. The course also includes a workshop, with examples of solved problems, as well as problems to be solved in class by the students. After these problems are solved, the proper answers will be reviewed and questions answered before proceeding.

Another important aspect of the workshop will be an introduction to stress analysis techniques, which may include available programs for use on personal computers. Both theory and applications will be aimed at developing an understanding of the technology, to allow simple checks of others' work as well as capability to solve problems directly. Also included will be sources of material properties information and references for further study.

DAY 1

• Introduction and Fracture Mechanics CoP 
• The Stress Intensity Factor Concept 
• Sub-critical Crack Growth: Fatigue Crack Growth 
• Stress Corrosion Crack Growth 
• Introduction to ASME Appendix G 
• Hands-on Solutions to Fracture Problems 

DAY 2

• Section XI Component Flaw Evaluation 
• Development of Reactor System P-T Curves 
• Section XI - Pipe Flaw Evaluation 
• The Flaw Evaluation Handbook Concept 
• Alloy 600 Applications in PWRs 
• Flaw Evaluation of V.C. Summer 
• Special Topics: Component Cooling Water System Flaw Evaluation
• Hands-on Solutions to Fracture Problems 

DAY 3

• Probabilistic Fracture Mechanics Analysis 
• Pressurized Thermal Shock: The Reactor Vessel Issue 
• Special Topics: Low Shelf Fracture Toughness 
• Leak Before Break Criteria and Analysis 
• Application: Reactor Coolant Pump Flywheel Integrity 
• Thermal Stratification Issues in Piping Systems 
• French RCC-M ZG & ZD and RSE-M 
• Summary and Wrap-up