Title: Studies of radiation embrittlement of model alloys by thermoelectric measurements and Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Authors: B. Acosta, A. Zeman, L. Debarberis

Addresses: European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, Westerduinweg 3, 1755 LE Petten, The Netherlands. ' European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, Westerduinweg 3, 1755 LE Petten, The Netherlands. ' European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, Westerduinweg 3, 1755 LE Petten, The Netherlands

Abstract: One of the basic mechanisms of radiation embrittlement of steels is due to matrix damage. Embrittlement results in a raise in the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature, which is used as indicator of the degradation status of the material. Further to mechanical tests, other methods, based on non-destructive measurements, can be also used to follow embrittlement. At JRC-IE measurement of thermoelectric voltage using a specially developed method is regularly performed. The positron annihilation spectroscopy in lifetime set-up is used for study the microstructural changes of matrix due to embrittlement. Both techniques were applied to test several model alloys irradiated at different conditions. Obtained results prove that both techniques are good indicators of the change in material properties.

Keywords: thermoelectric properties; positron annihilation spectroscopy; PAS; model alloys; reactor pressure vessel materials; irradiation; radiation embrittlement; alloying elements; RPV steel embrittlement; material degradation; microstructure; material properties; nondestructive testing; NDT; nuclear power plants; nuclear energy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2006.011646

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2006 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.310 - 320

Published online: 07 Dec 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article