Subsized bend and Charpy V-notch specimens for irradiated testing

Characterization of the fracture resistance of structural materials from specimens small in volume is an essential element of fission and fusion reactor design and alloy development. In this study 1/3-sized Charpy V-notch specimens and small bend bars ranging in thickness down to 2.5 mm have been investigated. Techniques have been developed for fabricating these specimens and testing them over a temperature range of 170 to 590 K under static and dynamic conditions. Tests have been performed to extract fracture mechanics parameters (K/sub Ic/,J/sub Ic/) and fundamental material parameters (e.g., microcleavage fracture stress σ/sub f//sup */) and to examine behavior anticipated in thin wall ferritic structures at temperatures corresponding to the lower shelf