Evaluation on materials performance of Hastelloy Alloy XR for the High Temperature Engineering Test reactor components. Weldability and high temperature strength properties

Weldability and high temperature strength properties of Hastelloy Alloy XR were investigated in order to evaluate the materials performance of base metal and filler metal for the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) uses. The weldability was examined by means of the chemical analysis in the deposited metals, optical microscopy, FISCO test, hardness measurements and bend test. The high temperature strength properties were investigated through tensile tests at R.T., 800, 900 and 950degC in air, and creep and creep rupture tests at 900 and 950degC in air. The results obtained by each test showed favorable performance. In particular, the bend test which is considered to be critical pass demonstrated low susceptibility to weld cracking through the optimization of B and C contents in the filler metal and by narrowing the groove. Creep rupture strength was nearly equal or higher than those of Hastelloy Alloy XR master curve and was much higher than design creep rupture strength [SR]. Therefore, it is concluded that weldability, tensile and creep properties with these base metals and filler metals for the HTTR components are entirely satisfactory. (author)