About this Abstract | 
  
   
    | Meeting | 
    MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
       | 
  
   
    | Symposium 
       | 
    Tackling Metallic Structural Materials Challenges for Advanced Nuclear Reactors
       | 
  
   
    | Presentation Title | 
    Development of Electron Beam Welding and PM-HIP Manufacturing of Advanced Reactor Pressure Vessels | 
  
   
    | Author(s) | 
    Janelle P. Wharry, Elliot  Marrero Jackson, Grayson A Nemets, Jasmyne  Emerson, Yu  Lu, Maria A Okuniewski, Benjamin  Sutton, David W Gandy | 
  
   
    | On-Site Speaker (Planned) | 
    Janelle P. Wharry | 
  
   
    | Abstract Scope | 
    
This talk will present the current status toward nuclear code-qualification of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels fabricated by powder metallurgy with hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP), and electron beam (EB) welds of these steels. The combination of PM-HIP and EB welding offers the potential to significantly reduce RPV construction time and cost, propelling new nuclear construction. But qualification of these materials in the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, and eventual regulatory acceptance, requires their evaluation in relevant irradiation environments. We will discuss two neutron irradiation campaigns that evaluate the microstructural and mechanical evolution of PM-HIP and EB welded PM-HIP SA508 Grade 3 Class 1 steel, compared to an SA508 forging. Differences in irradiation hardening and embrittlement between the PM-HIP and forging will be discussed in the context of the irradiated microstructure. Recommendations for post-EB weld heat treatments and next steps toward material qualification will be discussed. |