ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 20 March 2008
Page Count: 14

Applicability of the Fracture Toughness Master Curve to Irradiated Highly Embrittled Steel and Intergranular Fracture

Nanstad, R. K.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Sokolov, M. A.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

McCabe, D. E.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

(Received 17 July 2007; accepted 2 February 2008)

Abstract

The Heavy-Section Steel Irradiation Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has evaluated a submerged-arc (SA) weld irradiated to a high level of embrittlement and a temper embrittled base metal that exhibits significant intergranular fracture relative to representation by the Master Curve. The temper embrittled steel revealed that the intergranular mechanism significantly extended the transition temperature range up to 150°C above T_o. For the irradiated highly embrittled SA weld study, a total of 21 1T compact specimens were tested at five different temperatures and showed the Master Curve to be nonconservative relative to the results, although that observation is uncertain due to evidence of intergranular fracture.

Keywords:
Master Curve, reactor pressure vessel, irradiation, intergranular fracture, temper embrittlement, fracture toughness, heat treatment

Paper ID: JAI101346
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101346
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