Development, Qualification And Application Of Small Specimen Techniques For Mechanical Testing At The Belgian Nuclear Research Centre

Enrico Lucon, Marc Scibetta

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    Evaluating the mechanical properties of structural materials of primary plant components is a key factor for reliable integrity assessments and correct life predictions. Materials which are subject to degradation of mechanical properties due to high temperature exposure, aggressive environment or neutron irradiation, have to be characterised in a reliable and not too conservative way. The evaluation of mechanical properties (with the exception of hardness measurements) is by definition a destructive technique, which however can be made semi-destructive is the sample size is so small that easy repair or even no repair is needed to allow further operation of the component.This presentation reviews several small-specimen test techniques, which have been developed, qualified and applied for the mechanical characterization of reactor pressure vessel steels, in both unirradiated and irradiated condition, within the Reactor Material Research department of the Belgian Nuclear Centre (SCK•CEN).
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSmall Specimen Testing - Methods and Analysis
    Place of PublicationLondon, United Kingdom
    Pages1-22
    Number of pages22
    StatePublished - 22 May 2006
    EventSeminar on Small Specimen Testing - Methods and Analysis - Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), London
    Duration: 22 May 200622 May 2006

    Conference

    ConferenceSeminar on Small Specimen Testing - Methods and Analysis
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityLondon
    Period2006-05-222006-05-22

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