Irradiation and annealing sensitivity studies

This report describes an evaluation of foreign steel production made to US guidelines for improved radiation resistance (new vessel forms) and investigations on radiation sensitivity and post-irradiation annealing for embrittlement relief (vessels produced 1971 or earlier). In the study of foreign steels, investigations coordinated by the IAEA and involving steels produced by West Germany, France, and Japan have confirmed the adequacy of the US-developed specifications. Progress of the Irradiation-Anneal-Reirradiation investigations are described, noting the synergism between copper impurities and nickel alloying in radiation sensitivity and annealing response. The PVI Surveillance Dosimetry Improvement Program, which as primary application to the more radiation sensitive vessels, is also discussed