Neutron Irradiation of Nuclear Structural Materials Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy with Hot Isostatic Pressing

An irradiation campaign intended to produce data necessary to qualify various reactor structural materials fabricated by powder metallurgy with hot isostatic pressing (PM/HIP) is currently in progress. Manufacturing processes have considerable influence over the safety and integrity of nuclear reactor vessels and internal components. Established processes such as casting, plate rolling and welding, forging, drawing, and extrusion have been used to fabricate structural and pressure-retaining materials used in the nuclear power industry for the past 60 years. However, weldability and inspectability are ongoing issues in the manufacture of reactor vessels and internals. Furthermore, these components are subject to harsh service environments, which combine high radiation fluence, high temperature, and mechanical stress. These conditions can accelerate material degradation and failure, with the most extreme degradation often occurring at weldments and in poorly manufactured or inspected components. Advanced reactor designs and lifetime extensions to the existing fleet of light-water reactors (LWRs) will exacerbate materials degradation issues by increasing the duty on reactor internals. Thus, developing reliable manufacturing processes wherein high-quality weldments and inspections can be performed is of great importance to the continued safety and operation of nuclear power plants