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Segregation zones, called ghost lines, may be present near the inner side of PWR vessel issued from plain ingots of A508 class 3 steel. They are enriched in alloying elements and impurities and may have a significant influence on mechanical properties, in particular on fracture toughness. Toughness values of a compact tension specimen containing segregation zones have been evaluated using a bimaterial model with a 3 D finite element simulation. Two fracture criteria have been tested and the results compared with the French database of RPV steel toughness values. The first model assumes that fracture occurs when the maximum tensile stress ahead of the crack tip reaches a critical value over a critical distance. The second model, which is statistical, is based on Beremin’s theory. The results obtained with both models are compared. It is shown that the critical fracture stress model reproduces with a good accuracy the lower bound of toughness values which were determined in RPV steel. The Beremin model gives an estimate of the scatter in fracture toughness measurements. This model takes also into account a size effect related to the ghost line density present along the crack front.

A cooperative research programme in the field of the local approach to cleavage fracture applied to reactor pressure vessels is conducted between EDF, CEA, Framatome and AEA Technology. The purpose of such a programme is to have a better knowledge of this approach for RPV fracture mechanics integrity assessments regarding the risk of brittle fracture. This programme includes both an experimental part conducted by several laboratories in order to identify m and