Structural condition monitoring in a life cycle management program Original Research Article

This paper describes an aging assessment program that would be performed as a part of a comprehensive life cycle management (LCM) program in nuclear power plants. The proposed approach first describes the environment, system, and structure or component type groupings. Determining the scope, screening methodology, baselining, assessment, and mitigation is covered as part of the program. The program is degradation-based and relies on the recognition and monitoring of real degradation in the plant. The means of implementing effective monitoring, assessment, and mitigation of aging trends are explained.