Statistical approach to time-dependent failure of brittle material

On estimating the fracture probability of nuclear graphite components

“…Time-dependent property changes influence the behavior of graphite to a significant extent and therefore should be properly considered for a rigorous analysis of the life of the graphite component. Even though these data may not be available for the timely design and new reactor commissioning, to assure safety in the absence of an established, verified and validated failure theory [30], the design should be sufficiently conservative so that the service stresses are kept remote from the accepted probability of failure criteria [13]. d. Graphite is unlike any other material typically used in a nuclear reactor.…”