SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 2010
STP49010S

Study of Microstructure and Property Changes in Irradiated SS316 Wrapper of Fast Breeder Test Reactor

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This paper presents the results of a study on mechanical properties and microstructure in a SS316 wrapper irradiated in a 40MWt/13MWe fast breeder test reactor at Kalpakkam, India. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination and mechanical property evaluation were carried out on the hexagonal wrapper subjected to different displacement damages up to a maximum of 83 dpa at an operating temperature of about 673 K. The steel irradiated to 83 dpa showed an increase in the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, with a reduction in uniform elongation to about 8 %–10 % from about 20 % in the unirradiated material. Density measurements on the specimen from different portions of the irradiated wrapper showed a peak volumetric swelling of about 3.5 % at a damage of 83 dpa. TEM studies showed extensive void formation at 40 dpa and beyond in addition to extensive precipitation and formation of dislocation loops. The void density and size showed a progressive increase with displacement damage. The precipitates were identified to be of nickel and silicon enriched M6C type of η phase, while radiation induced G phase was also observed at 83 dpa. The increase in strength and reduction in ductility with increase in dpa is attributed to irradiation hardening, which is supported by the increase in defect density as observed from the dislocation substructure and increase in the void density and size. The paper would discuss the degradation in mechanical property in terms of the microstructural changes.

Author Information

Venkiteswaran, C., N.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
Karthik, V.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
Parameswaran, P.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
Muralidharan, N., G.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
Anandaraj, V.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
Saroja, S.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
Venugopal, V.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
Vijayalakshmi, M.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
Kasi Viswanathan, K., V.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
Raj, B.
Indira Gandhi Centre For Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, India
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Details
Developed by Committee: E10
Pages: 196–209
DOI: 10.1520/STP49010S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-8417-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-3425-6