Alloy 800 - A review of properties and metallurgy

It is shown that the properties and metallurgy of alloy 800 are significantly influenced by relatively small changes in composition introduced by the nuclear industry in order to obtain better stress corrosion resistance. Two particular metallurgical effects are considered: the influence of lower TiC volume fraction on grain coarsening behavior and grain size; the influence of increased amounts of titanium in solid solution on Ni3(AlTi) precipitation. The first effect has a direct influence on proof stress properties, and the second on stress rupture strength and ductility. However, the important effect of aluminium on this behavior is emphasized. Other aspects considered are the effect of long reheating times during operation on proof strength and impact resistance. The final part of the paper deals with two fabrication aspects. After demonstrating the detrimental effect of cold working on stress rupture ductility, the susceptibility to premature failure is examined, using notched stress rupture specimens. Although notch sensitivity was found in short term tests, additional work suggests that it may not occur after longer testing times. The effect of stress relieving on this behavior is reported. The welding aspects considered include the compositional factors influencing liquation cracking, grain growth during welding, and the proof strength and stress rupture properties of welded material