Impact of Low-Temperature Neutron Irradiation on Tensile Behavior of Base Metal and Electron-Beam Welded 316L Stainless Steel

A study of 316L type stainless steel in its base metal and electron-beam (e-beam) welded conditions was performed to observe the effects of low-temperature (60 degrees C to 100 degrees C) neutron irradiation on the tensile behavior of the samples. Fractography was used in understanding the tensile-tested fracture surfaces of the 316L samples in these different forms with the characterization of the both base metal and welded samples using electron microscopy. Irradiation of the tensile specimens made free of defects of cutting and mechanical polishing showed a reduction in their tensile ductility with increased radiation-induced hardening up to 1.40 x 10(19) n/cm(2) (E > 0.1 MeV) fluence that corresponds to 1.1x 10(-2) dpa, even at the low irradiation temperatures. These low-temperature neutron irradiated base metal and e-beam welded 316L specimens also consisted of closely similar fracture surfaces characteristic of ductile rupture.

Automated summary

The study shows that low-temperature neutron irradiation has a significant impact on the tensile behavior of 316L stainless steel. Irradiated specimens, free of defects, exhibit reduced tensile ductility and increased radiation-induced hardening. Both base metal and e-beam welded specimens exhibit similar fracture surfaces indicative of ductile rupture after low-temperature neutron irradiation.