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Analysis of radiation embrittlement reference toughness curves. Final report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6609271· OSTI ID:6609271

Three major tasks were performed: (1) statistial analysis and development of reference fracture toughness curves, (2) evaluation of fracture toughness data from surveillance (small) specimens, and (3) radiation damage analysis and modeling. Results from the first task provided techniques for statistical experimental design of radiation embrittlement programs and proper collection and qualification of experimental mechanical property data. The main accomplishment was the development of global tolerance and confidence bounds from precracked Charpy and Charpy V-notch normalization using a reference fracture toughness curve approach. The second task provided a single-specimen procedure for measuring ductile initiation toughness with side-grooved precracked Charpy specimens; additionally, excellent predictions of fracture toughness by critical stress and critical strain fracture models were made. Instrumented Charpy-type data were also maximized using various approaches. A surrogate material was developed to simulate radiation-induced damage by shock hardening. Perhaps of greatest interest was the utilization of reconstituted surveillance specimens produced from previously broken Charpy specimens. The radiation damage task produced information necessary to treat radiation embrittlement and dosimetry analysis in an improved manner. A physically based damage correlation model and a microstructural defect development model provided additional insight into radiation damage observations. 33 figures, 8 tables.

Research Organization:
Fracture Control Corp., Goleta, CA (USA)
OSTI ID:
6609271
Report Number(s):
EPRI-NP-1661
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English