Features and Results of Several Programs of Radiation-Damage Surveillance of Power Reactor Pressure Vessels

1967 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Z. Serpan ◽  
L. E. Steele ◽  
J. R. Hawthorne
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Damage ◽  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Power Reactor ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Reactor Pressure Vessel ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Meaning And Purpose ◽  
Reactor Pressure

The meaning and purpose of reactor pressure vessel surveillance is briefly discussed. Features of the surveillance programs in the Yankee, Big Rock Point, SM-1, and SM-1A reactors are briefly described along with results of testing metallurgical specimens from these programs. Additionally, the surveillance program to be effected in the Army MH-1A reactor is described. Certain problems which have occurred in the course of these programs are discussed as well as the proposed ASTM recommendations for radiation-damage surveillance programs. The value of these programs to reactor operators is reviewed with relation to the results obtained to date.

Recent Progress Toward an Integrated Multiscale-Multiphysics Model of Reactor Pressure Vessel Embrittlement

2001 ◽  
Vol 677 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. D. Wirth ◽  
G. R. Odette ◽  
R. E. Stoller
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Damage ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Production Cross ◽  
Vacancy Cluster ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Reactor Pressure Vessel ◽  
Rate Theory ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Reactor Pressure

ABSTRACTThe continued safe operation of nuclear reactors and their potential for lifetime extension depends on ensuring reactor pressure vessel integrity. Reactor pressure vessels and structural materials used in nuclear energy applications are exposed to intense neutron fields that create atomic displacements and ultimately change material properties. The physical processes involved in radiation damage are inherently multiscale, spanning more than 15 orders of magnitude in length and 24 orders of magnitude in time. This paper reports our progress in developing an integrated, multiscale-multiphysics (MSMP) model of radiation damage for the prediction of reactor pressure vessel embrittlement. Key features of the fully integrated MSMP model include: i) combined molecular dynamics (MD) and kinetic lattice Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations of cascade defect production and cascade aging to produce cross-sections for vacancy, self- interstitial and vacancy-solute cluster size classes for times on the order of seconds; ii) an integrated reaction rate theory and thermodynamic code to predict the evolution of nanostructural and nanochemical features for times on the order of decades; iii) a micromechanics model to calculate the resulting mechanical property changes. This paper will focus on the combined use of MD and KMC to simulate the long-term rearrangement (aging) of defects in displacement cascades and thus, produce late-time production cross-sections for vacancy and vacancy cluster features.

Fracture Toughness Characterization of Low Upper-Shelf Linde 80 Weld Using Mini-C(T) Specimens

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Ickes ◽  
J. Brian Hall ◽  
Robert G. Carter
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Toughness ◽  
Direct Measurement ◽  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Reactor Pressure Vessel ◽  
Weld Metals ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Test Reactor ◽  
Reactor Pressure

The Charpy V-notch specimen is the most commonly used specimen geometry in reactor pressure vessel irradiation surveillance programs and there is an extensive stored inventory of irradiated broken Charpy specimens. The advantage of the mini-C(T) (4mm thick C(T)) specimen technique is that multiple specimens can be machined from each half of broken irradiated Charpy specimens. Fracture toughness specimens that can be machined from broken halves of standard Charpy specimens enable the direct measurement of fracture toughness which can be used for engineering evaluation of reactor pressure vessels. Work to validate the mini-C(T) specimens has been performed mostly on unirradiated reactor pressure vessel base and weld metals . In this study, mini-C(T) specimens were tested providing fracture toughness characterization of an irradiated low upper-shelf Linde 80 weld (WF-70). This weld was utilized in the Midland beltline and has been previously well characterized at ORNL with various types and sizes of fracture toughness specimens. The mini-C(T) specimens were machined from broken previously tested Charpy V-notch size specimens which were irradiated in a material test reactor. The effect of different methods of measuring the displacement on the results is assessed. The ASTM E1921 results are compared to previous test data produced from larger fracture toughness specimens. In addition, the sensitivity of T0 to the ASTM E1921 censoring value is discussed.

Surveillance Specimen Programs for WWER Type Reactors

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milan Brumovsky
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
Reactor Safety ◽  
Reactor Radiation ◽  
Critical Comparison ◽  
Asme Code ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Reactor Pressure

Reactor pressure vessels (RPV) are components with the highest importance for the reactor safety and operation as they contain practically whole inventory of fission material but they are damaged/aged during their operation by an intensive reactor radiation. Surveillance specimen programs are the best method for monitoring changes in mechanical properties of reactor pressure vessel materials if they are designed and operated in such a way that they are located in conditions close to those of the vessels. Reactor Codes and standards usually included requirements and conditions for such programs to assure proper vessel monitoring. WWER (Water-Water-Energetic Reactors) reactor pressure vessels are designed according to former Russian Codes and rules with somewhat different requirements using different materials comparing e.g. with ASME Code. Two principal types of WWER reactors were designed, manufactured and are operated in several European countries (and also in China, Iran): WWER-440 and WWER-1000. Their surveillance programs were designed in quite different way, with some modifications due to the time, country of manufacturing and experience gained from their operation. The paper gives a critical comparison of these programs in both types of reactors with requirements of both Russian and ASME/ASTM Codes and Standards. Finally, information about creation of the Integral Surveillance Program for WWER-1000 type reactor pressure vessels covering vessels from several countries is described.

French Four-Loop PWR 1300 MWe Reactor Pressure Vessel: First Results for Integrity Assessment and Life Manangement

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georges Bezdikian ◽  
Franc¸oise Ternon-Morin ◽  
Henriette Churier-Bossennec ◽  
Dominique Moinereau ◽  
Alain Martin
Keyword(s):  
Brittle Fracture ◽  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Reactor Pressure Vessel ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
Integrity Assessment ◽  
First Results ◽  
Safety Studies ◽  
Reactor Pressure

The process used by the French utility, concerning the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) integrity assessment, applied on 34 PWR NPPs 3-loop Reactors, involved the verification of the integrity of the component under the most severe conditions of situation, was engaged several years ago and the result obtained was the justification of the 900 MWe RPV life management for at least 40 years and to prepare the projection for beyond 40 years. Since 2000, in the continuity of this results, the studies was carried out on the 20 PWR NPPs 4-loop 1300 MWe Reactor Pressure Vessels, and the recent results obtained shows the demonstration of the integrity of the RPV, in the most severe conditions of loading in relation with RTNDT (Reference Nil Ductility Transition Temperature), and considering major parameters particularly the severity of the transient. This approach, is based on specific mechanical safety studies on the 1300 MWe RPV, to demonstrate the absence of risk of failure by brittle fracture. For these mechanical studies the major input data are necessary: 1 - the fluence distribution and the values of 4-loop RPV RTNDT during the lifetime in operation, 2 - the temperature distribution values in the downcomer and the PTS evaluation. The main results must show significant margins against initiation of the brittle fracture. The flaws considered in this approach are shallow flaws beneath the cladding (subclad flaws) or in the first layer of cladding. The major tasks and expertises engaged by EDF are: • better knowledge of the vessel material properties, including the effect of radiation, • more precise assessment of the fluence and neutronic calculations, • the NDE inspection program based on the inspection of the vessel wall, with a special NDE tool. The principal actions conducted during recent years are: • the optimisation of the fuel management and the new development for the fluence evaluation, • the data gathered from radiation specimen capsules, removed from the vessels (4loop reactor), within the framework of the radiation surveillance program, and the thermal-hydraulic-mechanical calculations based on finite element thermal-hydraulic computations and three dimensional elastic-plastic mechanical analyses.

Failure Probability Assessment for a Boiling Water Reactor Pressure Vessel Under Low Temperature Over-Pressure Event

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsoung-Wei Chou ◽  
Chin-Cheng Huang ◽  
Bo-Yi Chen ◽  
Hsien-Chou Lin ◽  
Ru-Feng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Failure Probability ◽  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Fracture Probability ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Reactor Pressure Vessel ◽  
Boiling Water ◽  
Boiling Water Reactor ◽  
Water Reactor ◽  
Reactor Pressure

The fracture probability of a boiling water reactor pressure vessel for a domestic nuclear power plant in Taiwan has been numerically analyzed using an advanced version of ORNL’s FAVOR code. First, a model of the vessel beltline region, which includes all shell welds and plates, is built for the FAVOR code based on the plant specific parameters of the reactor pressure vessel. Then, a novel flaw model which describes the flaw types of surface breaking flaws, embedded weld flaws and embedded plate flaws are simulated along both inner and outer vessel walls. When conducting the fracture probability analyses, a transient low temperature over-pressure event, which has previously been shown to be the most severe challenge to the integrity of boiling water reactor pressure vessels, is considered as the loading condition. It is found that the fracture occurs in the fusion-line area of axial welds, but with only an insignificant failure probability. The low through-wall cracking frequency indicates that the analyzed reactor pressure vessel maintains sufficient stability until either the end-of-license or for doubling of the present license of operation.

Measurements of Stress During Thermal Shock in Clad Reactor Pressure Vessel Material Using Time-Resolved In-Situ Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Oliver ◽  
Chris Simpson ◽  
Andrew James ◽  
Christina Reinhard ◽  
David Collins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Shock ◽  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Reactor Pressure Vessel ◽  
Pressure Vessel Steel ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Vessel Steel ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Reactor Pressure

Nuclear reactor pressure vessels must be able to withstand thermal shock due to emergency cooling during a loss of coolant accident. Demonstrating structural integrity during thermal shock is difficult due to the complex interaction between thermal stress, residual stress, and stress caused by internal pressure. Finite element and analytic approaches exist to calculate the combined stress, but validation is limited. This study describes an experiment which aims to measure stress in a slice of clad reactor pressure vessel during thermal shock using time-resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction. A test rig was designed to subject specimens to thermal shock, whilst simultaneously enabling synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements of strain. The specimens were extracted from a block of SA508 Grade 4N reactor pressure vessel steel clad with Alloy 82 nickel-base alloy. Surface cracks were machined in the cladding. Electric heaters heat the specimens to 350°C and then the surface of the cladding is quenched in a bath of cold water, representing thermal shock. Six specimens were subjected to thermal shock on beamline I12 at Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron X-ray facility. Time-resolved strain was measured during thermal shock at a single point close to the crack tip at a sample rate of 30 Hz. Hence, stress intensity factor vs time was calculated assuming K-controlled near-tip stress fields. This work describes the experimental method and presents some key results from a preliminary analysis of the data.

Attenuation of Radiation Damage and Neutron Field in Reactor Pressure Vessel Wall

2009 ◽  
pp. 190-190-6
Author(s):  
Milan Brumovsky ◽  
Milan Marek ◽  
Ladislav Zerola ◽  
Ladislav Viererbl ◽  
Victor N. Golovanov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Damage ◽  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Neutron Field ◽  
Reactor Pressure Vessel ◽  
Reactor Pressure

Negligible Creep Conditions for Mod 9Cr1Mo Steel

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Riou ◽  
Claude Escaravage ◽  
Robert W. Swindeman ◽  
Weiju Ren ◽  
Marie-The´re`se Cabrillat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Creep Damage ◽  
Steel Grade ◽  
Reactor Pressure Vessel ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
9Cr1mo Steel ◽  
Grade 91 ◽  
Creep Regime ◽  
Very High ◽  
Reactor Pressure

Mod 9Cr1Mo Steel (grade 91) is one of the materials envisaged for the Reactor Pressure Vessel of Very High Temperature Reactors. To avoid the implementation of a surveillance program covering the monitoring of the creep damage throughout the whole life of the reactor, it is recommended to operate the Reactor Pressure Vessel in the negligible creep regime. In this paper, the background of negligible creep criteria available in nuclear Codes is first recalled and their limitations analyzed. Then, guidance for deriving criteria more appropriate for mod 9Cr1Mo steel is provided. Finally, R&D actions in the U. S. and France to support the new approaches are discussed and recommended.

Accounting for the Effects of Inservice Inspection Flaw Depth Sizing Errors in Developing Flaw Size Distribution Tables

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Gosselin ◽  
F. A. Simonen
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Vessel ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Reactor Pressure Vessel ◽  
Expert Elicitation ◽  
Flaw Size ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Asme Code ◽  
Valid Comparison ◽  
Vessel Material ◽  
Reactor Pressure

Probabilistic fracture mechanics studies have addressed reactor pressure vessels that have high levels of material embrittlement. These calculations have used flaw size and density distributions determined from precise and optimized laboratory measurements made and validated with destructive methods as well as from physical models and expert elicitation. The experimental data were obtained from reactor vessel material samples removed from cancelled plants (Shoreham and the Pressure Vessel Research Users Facility (PVRUF)). Consequently, utilities may need to compare the numbers and sizes of reactor pressure vessel flaws identified by the plant’s inservice inspection program to the numbers and sizes of flaws assumed in prior failure probability calculations. This paper describes a method to determine whether the flaws in a particular reactor pressure vessel are consistent with the assumptions regarding the number and sizes of flaws used in other analyses. The approach recognizes that ASME Code Section XI examinations suffer from limitations in terms of sizing errors for very small flaws. Direct comparisons of a vessel specific flaw distribution with other documented flaw distributions would lead to pessimistic conclusions. This paper provides a method for a valid comparison that accounts for flaw sizing errors present in ASME Code Section XI examinations.

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