Sodium effects on mechanical performance and consideration in high temperature structural design for advanced reactors

Investigation of crack propagation resistance of 304L, 316L and 316L(N) austenitic steels in liquid sodium

“…The question of a possible sensitivity to liquid metal embrittlement (LME) of austenitic steels in liquid sodium is also of interest although such a case has never been reported to our knowledge on a component of an operating facility. While several LME cases in liquid sodium were observed on ferritic or martensitic steels through sensitivity tests carried out in laboratory's conditions [4,5], the effect of sodium on the fracture mode of austenitic steels is regarded as negligible [6,7]. This stems from results of tensile testing carried out ex-situ after pre-exposure in vacuum test vessels.…”

Carburization behavior of AISI 316LN austenitic stainless steel – Experimental studies and modeling

“…For higher oxygen concentrations formation of ternary compounds of other transition metals has been observed [3]. Several reports are available on the preferential leaching of elements from structural materials in flowing sodium leading to changes in heat transport and mechanical properties [4][5][6].…”

“…Several countries in the world have carried out experiments in flowing sodium with very low carbon concentrations in order to assess the extent of corrosion and mass transfer and the consequent changes in mechanical properties [4,7,8]. In addition to the experimental studies attempts have been made to model the carburization/decarburization process also.…”

Corrosion behavior and microstructural evolution of ASTM A182 Grade 92 steel in liquid sodium at 650°C

“…It has higher creep-rupture strength than its predecessors, 9Cr-1Mo steel and Gr. 91 steel (9Cr-1Mo-VNb) [13][14][15]. It is currently used at 620°C [16], and it is suitable for high-temperature applications in advanced reactors.…”