An improved theoretical process-zone model for delayed hydride cracking initiation at a blunt V-notch

Delayed hydride cracking (DHC) is an important concern for pressure tubes used in nuclear reactors. In this paper, an improved analytical process-zone model is developed based on the deformation fracture criteria. A V-notch with rounded root, which is widely adopted in mechanical testing of DHC, is considered and the proposed model includes the effect of both notch angle and tip radius. Comparisons with experiments show that the proposed model has a prediction accuracy closer to the current engineering process-zone model but with slightly less conservatism. The model is extended to account for plasticity and constraint effects at the flaw tip by introducing an empirical factor that depends on key material and geometric parameters.