A new method predicting long-term thermal embrittlement of steel caused by P segregation is verified. e method is based on the results of impact strength or fracture toughness tests using specimens after relatively short-term neutron irradiation followed by annealing. 2Cr-Ni-Mo-V steel used in reactor pressure vessels of WWER-1000 type is investigated in four conditions: initial condition, after thermal aging, after neutron irradiation, and postirradiation annealing. e results of impact strength and tensile tests and SEM investigation are presented. e brittle fracture features are considered for different material conditions. Calculative estimation on neutron irradiation effect on P diffusion in steels is carried out. Experimental data are reported which confirm an intense P diffusion acceleration under neutron irradiation.
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