Microstructural evolution in reactor pressure vessel steels

The irradiation-induced changes occurring at the nanometer level in the microstructure of the reactor pressure vessel have been shown to be responsible for a degradation in mechanical properties that occur in large structures with dimensions in the tens of metres. These changes can place severe rest...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of nuclear materials Vol. 205; pp. 162 - 177
Main Authors Phythian, W.J., English, C.A.
Format Journal Article Conference Proceeding
LanguageEnglish
Published Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.10.1993
Elsevier
Subjects
Applied sciences
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Fission nuclear power plants
Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy
Microanalysis
Copper base alloys
Reactor vessel
Iron
Moessbauer spectrometry
Positron annihilation
Review
Auger microscopy
Field ion microscopy
Acoustic emission
Copper
Damaging
Scanning electron microscopy
Internal friction
Secondary ion mass spectrometry
X ray diffraction
Alpha form
Nuclear reactor
Copper Alloys
Electron probe
Transmission electron microscopy
Small angle neutron scattering
Electric resistivity
Neutron irradiation
Ferritic steel
Measurement method
Microstructure
X ray absorption
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Summary:The irradiation-induced changes occurring at the nanometer level in the microstructure of the reactor pressure vessel have been shown to be responsible for a degradation in mechanical properties that occur in large structures with dimensions in the tens of metres. These changes can place severe restrictions on the reactor both at the startup and under continual operation; and in the long term could compromise the safe operation of the plant. The large financial and safety related matters have given the necessary driving force to study the factors controlling the microstructural evolution, resulting in a multi disciplinary approach to the problem. This paper aims to review the current understanding of the subject, giving were possible examples of the approach and techniques used to obtain this. We also highlight areas of current research activity and indicate the type of work still required to provide information on aspects that currently lack a full understanding.
ISSN:0022-3115
1873-4820
DOI:10.1016/0022-3115(93)90079-E