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Fatigue crack growth behavior of pressure vessel steels and submerged arc weldments in a high-temperature pressurized water environment

Journal Article · · Metallurgical Transactions, A (Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science); (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02650293· OSTI ID:7061552
; ;  [1]
  1. Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (USA). Research and Development Center

The fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) properties of SA508 Cl 2a and SA533 Gr A Cl 2 pressure vessel steels and the corresponding automatic submerged arc weldments were developed in a high-temperature pressurized water (HPW) environment at 288{degrees} C (550{degrees} F) and 7.2 MPa (1044 psi) at load ratios of 0.20 and 0.50. The properties were generally conservative compared to American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section XI water environment reference curve. The growth rate of fatigue cracks in the base materials, however, was faster in the HPW environment than in a 288{degrees} C (550{degrees} F) base line air environment. The growth rate of fatigue cracks in the two submerged arc weldments was also accelerated in the HPW environment but to a lesser degree than that demonstrated by the base materials. In the air environment, fatigue striations were observed, independent of material and load ratio, while in the HPW environment, some intergranular facets were present. The greater environmental effect on crack growth rates displayed by the base materials compared the weldments attributed to a different sulfide composition and morphology.

OSTI ID:
7061552
Journal Information:
Metallurgical Transactions, A (Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science); (USA), Journal Name: Metallurgical Transactions, A (Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science); (USA) Vol. 20A:10; ISSN MTTAB; ISSN 0360-2133
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English