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Environmentally assisted cracking in light water reactors

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5318685

Topics that have been considered during this year include (1) stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of austenitic stainless steels (SS), (2) fatigue of Type 316NG SS, and (3) SCC of ferritic steels used in reactor piping, pressure vessels, and steam generators. Constant-extension-rate-tests (CERTs) and crack-growth-rate (CGR) tests on 1TCT specimens were performed to quantify the effects of chromate, sulfate, chloride, and low levels of organic impurities on SCC of sensitized Type 304 and Type 316NG SS. Some organic substances were found to actually inhibit SCC of sensitized Type 304 SS. Fatigue tests on Type 316NG SS showed that even at 0.5 Hz the fatigue life in the environment is about half of that in air, and the reduction in life increases at lower frequencies. CGR tests on A533-Gr B pressure vessel steel are in progress on conventional specimens and composite specimens of A533-Gr B/Inconel-182/Inconel-600. Some of the specimens have been plated with either nickel or gold to reduce contact between the surface of low-alloy steel and the environment. Comparison of the results from the bare and plated specimens will provide insight into whether electron transfer through the oxide film on the bulk surface of the ferritic steel is important in the overall SCC process. 49 refs., 16 figs., 9 tabs.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/NE
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5318685
Report Number(s):
CONF-8910222-10; ON: DE90003799
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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