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Effect of dynamic strain aging on fracture characteristics of A533B-CL1 nuclear pressure vessel steel

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5359480
The role of interstitial impurities through dynamic strain aging (DSA) in the upper shelf mechanical and fracture behaviors of nuclear grade pressure-vessel steels was investigated using tensile, subsize Charpy three-point slow bend and single specimen (Charpy size) unloading compliance J-integral tests. The tensile and fracture properties were studied as a function of the test temperature and applied strain rate on the as-received pressure vessel steel material. The effect of DSA was noted to result in decreased ductility and fracture toughness of the as-received pressure vessel steel in the upper shelf-region. Temperatures corresponding to fracture toughness minima and applied strain-rates followed an Arrhenius type rate equation with an activation energy identifiable with that for the diffusion of C and N steels plus their binding energy with alloying elements such as Mn and V. Neutron irradiation suppressed DSA, resulting in improved mechanical and fracture properties of this steel in some temperature and strain-rate regimens. However, at very high temperatures, DSA exhibited embrittlement in addition to the radiation.
Research Organization:
North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh (USA)
OSTI ID:
5359480
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English