Utilization of multiscale experimental and computational techniques for the design of radiation-resistant steels

Full text: Significant progress has been achieved in the operational performance and radiation resistance of ferritic-martensitic steels during the past few decades. Conventional high temperature steels, such as HT-9 and 2 1/4 Cr-1Mo have evolved into super Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) steels through successive optimization to meet strict performance and radiation-resistance constraints. Such evolution was possible through a combination of experimentation, modeling and empirical information. Further development and optimization of structural steels in nuclear applications will require full utilization of the available array of sophisticated experimental techniques and multiscale computational modeling, in addition to empirical data. We present here a systematic approach to the process of optimum steel development, by linking material fabrication to thermo-mechanical properties through a physical understanding of microstructure evolution. The optimization process is based on the application of design constraints (e.g. low activation, low DBTT, low swelling, creep resistance, and weldability) to describe the required microstructures, which in turn, can be controlled through material processing techniques. Prospects for future design of optimum structural steels in nuclear applications by utilization of the hierarchy of multiscale experimental and computational strategies will be described. (author)