Creep behavior and life prediction of a reactor pressure vessel steel above phase‐transformation temperature via a deformation mechanism‐based creep model

Abstract

AbstractFor nuclear power generation as a carbon‐neutral energy source, in‐vessel retention (IVR) must be implemented to maintain the structural integrity of nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for more than 72 h under severe accidental conditions. This technology requires accurate prediction of creep deformation and life of RPV material being operated under pressure and extremely high‐temperature gradient. The current work develops a simplified deformation‐mechanism‐based true‐stress (DMTS) model for creep behavior/life‐prediction of SA508 Gr.3 steel, a typical RPV material, above the phase transformation temperatures (800–1000°C). This model is used to evaluate the time to specific creep strain (t3% and t5%) and rupture (tr), in comparison with popular empirical methods such as Orr–Sherby–Dorn (OSD) and Larson–Miller (LM). The simplified DMTS model achieves an excellent agreement with the experimental observations. The controlling deformation mechanisms are also discussed by metallurgical examinations, which provide the physical premise for the model development and application.