Radiation embrittlement trend curves

Abstract This chapter describes the embrittlement processes in WWER reactor pressure vessel (RPV) materials during operation - radiation embrittlement and thermal ageing. Current trend curves for both types of WWER RPV materials are given and explained. Surveillance specimen programmes are shown, as their results are used for RPV integrity and lifetime evaluation. Finally, anneahng of the RPV is proposed as the most efficient mitigation measure. 

For calculation of 50 % (median) curves of AT i(F, t) according to Eq. 5.5, the value a = 0 should be taken, both for base and weld metal. This type of dependence is used for direct determination of radiation embrittlement parameters based on results of RPV-specilic surveillance specimen tests. Typical trend curves calculated according to the Eq. 5.4 for base metal and weld metal are shown in Figs 5.2 and 5.3. It can be seen that mean curves provide a good description of the distribution of test results from surveillance specimen programmes. 

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