Material Property Evaluation of Cold Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Simulated Distribution of Strength Due to Neutron Irradiation

Abstract

Nuclear reactor structures subject to neutron irradiation could have internal distribution of materials properties such as strength and toughness, depending on neutron flux attenuation from near side to far side of the materials surface relative to the core. In order to examine the effect of distribution of materials properties on the structural integrity, it is necessary to prepare a test specimen having distribution of materials properties. In this study, it has been demonstrated in mechanical properties tests that distribution of the strength and toughness due to neutron irradiation can be simulated by applying the graded level of cold working ratio with the plate material having a thickness gradient.