Weldability and microstructural analysis of nuclear-grade austenitic stainless steels
This study evaluated the hot-ductility response, and hot-cracking susceptibility (fusion-zone solidification cracking and HAZ liquation cracking) of modified nuclear-grade and standard austenitic stainless steels. Extensive microstructural characterization using state-of-the-art analytical electron microscopy (TEM and STEM) as well as SEM (EDAX) and OLM was performed to correlate the material behavior with metallurgical characteristics. In addition, studies of the effect of Si, N, and rare earth elements on hot-cracking susceptibility, significance of the ductility dip phenomena and backfilled solidification cracks were also performed. Furthermore, based on the metallurgical evaluation, the possible mechanisms involved in solidification cracking and HAZ liquation cracking of the modified alloys are proposed. Finally, the optimized chemical specifications and requirements for nuclear-grade stainless steels are also suggested.
- Research Organization:
- Teledyne Brown Engineering, Huntsville, AL (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7250474
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
220200 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Components & Accessories
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360101* -- Metals & Alloys-- Preparation & Fabrication
360102 -- Metals & Alloys-- Structure & Phase Studies
ALLOYS
CRACKS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
DUCTILITY
ELEMENTS
HEAT AFFECTED ZONE
HIGH ALLOY STEELS
INDUSTRY
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
METALLURGICAL EFFECTS
METALS
MICROSTRUCTURE
NITROGEN
NONMETALS
NUCLEAR INDUSTRY
OPTIMIZATION
RARE EARTHS
SEMIMETALS
SILICON
STAINLESS STEELS
STEELS
TENSILE PROPERTIES
WELDABILITY
ZONES