On the link of the embrittlement mechanisms and microcrack nucleation and propagation properties for RPV steels. Part II. Fracture properties and modelling

Abstract

Further development of local approach models is considered from viewpoint of links of local brittle fracture properties with embrittlement mechanisms and fracture modes for RPV steels. The experimental and numerical investigations are performed for 2Cr-Ni-Mo-V steel and A533 steel used for RPVs of WWER and PWR types. RPV steels are studied in the following states: (1) the initial (as-produced) state; (2) the thermally-embrittled state modelling hardening mechanism of radiation embrittlement; (3) the thermally-embrittled state modelling non-hardening mechanism of radiation embrittlement; (4) the irradiated state. Experimental studies include testing smooth and notched round bars and cracked compact tension specimens. Microcrack nucleation and propagation properties are obtained for all the investigated states of the materials on the basis of the experimental data and the predicted results obtained with the Prometey model.