Stress corrosion cracking resistance, mechanical properties and weldability of nuclear grade 316 stainless steel

A joint study has been performed on verification of the Nuclear Grade 316 stainless steel whose carbon content is less than 0.02% and nitrogen content is around 0.1%. Five heats of the steel conventionally manufactured as 4 approx. 24 inch diameter seamless pipes showed excellent resistance to sensitization and stress corrosion cracking in BWR related environment with various severe conditions including severe sensitizing heat treatments, welding, repair welding, counterbore grinding, post weld heat treatments etc. The test results of mechanical properties and weldability have indicated no serious problem. In conclusion, the Nuclear Grade 316 stainless steel has been fully verified for actual use as a piping material of BWR