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U.S. Department of Energy
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Thermal aging of cast stainless steels: Mechanisms and predictions

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6969348
Charpy-impact, tensile, and J-R curve data are presented for several experimental and commercial heats, as well as for reactor-aged material of CF-3, CF-8, and CF-8M grades of cast stainless steel. The effects of material variables on the embrittlement of cast stainless steels are evaluated. In general, the low-carbon CF-3 grades of cast stainless steels are the most resistant, and the molybdenum-containing high-carbon CF-8M grades are the most susceptible, to low-temperature embrittlement. While ferrite morphology has a strong effect on the extent or degree of embrittlement, material composition influences the kinetics of embrittlement, which can vary significantly with small changes in the constituent elements of the cast material. The mechanisms of embrittlement have also been established. Mechanical-property data have been analyzed to develop the procedure and correlations for predicting the kinetics and extent of embrittlement of reactor components from known material parameters. The method and examples of estimating the impact strength and fracture toughness of cast stainless steel components during reactor service are described. The lower-bound values of impact strength and fracture toughness for cast stainless steels at LWR operating temperatures are defined. 32 refs., 27 figs., 3 tabs.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
NRC
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
6969348
Report Number(s):
CONF-900617-11; ON: DE90010093
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English