ABSTRACT
The basic principles, diagrams, and definitions of the transition temperature
approach to fracture-safe design are outlined in Chapter 6. That information is
concerned with the flaw size, stress, and service temperature connected with
the initiation and propagation of brittle fracture. The practical use of this meth-
odology, including knowledge of the nil-ductility transition (NDT) temperature
of the steel, has been applied in a review of a number of service failures, well
described by Pellini and Puzak.[1] A large body of these test data has also pro-
vided a critical validity check of the fracture analysis diagram (FAD). Especially
noteworthy were test results obtained from deliberately flawed vessels.
