Irradiation-assisted stress-corrosion cracking (IASCC) of a cold-worked type 316 stainless steel baffle/former bolt from a pressurized-water reactor (PWR) was investigated by analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM). Nanometer-resolution methods for feature-specific analysis were used to characterize irradiation and corrosion-affected microstructures of the crack tip. The work is part of an international cooperative program to characterize light-water-reactor core components that experience IASCC. This is the first detailed ATEM examination of in-service cracks in neutron-irradiated austenitic stainless steel.
Revised: July 2, 2009 |
Published: May 31, 2002
Citation
Thomas L.E., and S.M. Bruemmer. 2002.Analytical Transmission Electron Microscopy Characterization of Stress Corrosion Cracks in an Irradiated Type 316 Stainless Steel Core Component. In Fontevraud 5 International Symposium: Contribution of Materials Investigation to the Resolution of Problems Encountered in Pressurized Water Reactors, 347-359. Paris:Societe Francaise d'Energie Nucleaire.PNNL-SA-36553.