STRESS program yield strength

In many situations, the yield strength is used to identify the allowable stress to which a material can be subjected. For components that have to withstand high pressures, such as those used in pressurized water reactors (PWRs), this criterion is not adequate. To cover these situations, the maximum shear stress theory of failure has been incorporated into the ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section m. Rules for Construction of Nuclear Pressure Vessels. The maximum shear stress theory of failure was originally proposed for use in the U S. Naval Reactor Program for PWRs. It will not be discussed in this text. 

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