Combination of radiation and hydrogen damage of reactor pressure vessel materials

Fracture toughness of the hydrogen charged EUROFER 97 RAFM steel at room temperature and 120°C

“…The number of publications on synergistic effect is limited. Relevant for our assessment are investigations of 9%Cr-2%W reduced activation ferritic-martensitic steel [12], MANET II (10CrWV) and F82H steels [1] as well as low alloy 2.5%CrMoV and 2%CrNiMoV ferritic steels [13,14]. The results obtained with 9%Cr-2%W steel irradiated up to 6 Â 10 24 n/m 2 at 300°C, compared with unirradiated one, reveal a decrease of tensile elongation of with increasing charging current density.…”

Small-angle neutron scattering study on the effect of hydrogen in irradiated reactor pressure vessel steels

“…Such high hydrogen concentrations are not expected under typical LWR conditions. This is borne by the results of in situ experiments of Splichal et al [10] and Anders et al [11].…”

Influence of hydrogen on the toughness of irradiated reactor pressure vessel steels

“…For example, the uptake of hydrogen and an enhanced susceptibility for embrittlement were proved for irradiated steels with austenitic claddings under RPV conditions [4]. Splichal et al [4,5], Brinkman and Beston [6] and Takaku et al [7,8] specified critical hydrogen concentrations of P2.5-4 wt ppm for degradation of the mechanical properties both in the unirradiated and the irradiated condition. Kimura et al [9] proved that the critical hydrogen charging current density of neutron-irradiated martensitic steel was smaller than that of unirradiated one.…”

“…On the other hand, hydrogen also influences the deformation behaviour of steel and it is not excluded that synergistic effects between neutron and hydrogen embrittlement are effective [1][2][3]. For example, the uptake of hydrogen and an enhanced susceptibility for embrittlement were proved for irradiated steels with austenitic claddings under RPV conditions [4]. Splichal et al [4,5], Brinkman and Beston [6] and Takaku et al [7,8] specified critical hydrogen concentrations of P2.5-4 wt ppm for degradation of the mechanical properties both in the unirradiated and the irradiated condition.…”