Materials research for nuclear fusion energy - Analysing the flow properties of Eurofer91

Research output

100 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In this work, the flow properties of a lab-cast reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel were analysed and compared to the reference European RAFM material, Eurofer97. This steel has passed dedicated heat treatment in order to optimize its mechanical properties and is intended for use as a structural material in nuclear fusion reactors. Its flow properties and fracture surface were examined through the execution of the following tests: Vickers hardness test, Charpy impact test, tensile test and microscopy. In this thesis, the central properties that are to be examined are the material’s hardness, the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) and its yield strength at both room temperature and elevated temperature. Following the assessment of the flow properties, a new experimental technique was explored for estimating the 0.2% yield strength of a material at different temperatures. The objective is to assess the temperature dependent 0.2% yield strength from a single sample. If proven successful, this technique will greatly reduce the number of samples needed to investigate the ductility range. In the context of testing irradiated samples, this could significantly reduce costs.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationIndustrial Engineer
Awarding Institution
  • Hasselt University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Bonny, Giovanni, Supervisor
  • Terentyev, Dmitry, Supervisor
  • Yin, Chao, Supervisor
Date of Award28 Jun 2019
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2019

Cite this