2003 , Volume 8, Special issue, p.97-105

This study presents a review of research in reliability and safety of technical systems carried out over the period of 1990-2002 at the Department for Machine Science of ICM SB RAS. The following subjects are considered: 1) analysis of failure causes of complex technical systems (CTS) in various industries and types of their limiting states (primary, additional, emergency); 2) methods of checking calculation on the fracture toughness; 3) computational algorithms and technologies on life-cycle design of welded structures; 4) parameters of residual life time assessment, reliability and risk-analysis of CTS. The basic data for the calculations were obtained from numerous tests on the fracture toughness and analysis of technological and operational defects of CTS. Developed methods were applied in calculations for a variety of structural applications including building, crane and ship structures, welded joints of a reactor and excavators, propeller blades of airplanes, frame structures of spaceships, pressure vessels, and pipeline systems.