A review of work related to reheat cracking in nuclear reactor pressure vessel steels

This review was completed in 1976 and describes the then-current knowledge on the problem of reheat cracking in weldments of nuclear pressure vessel steels. The incidence of underclad cracks and structural weld cracks in heat affected zones (HAZ) is described and current theories on the cracking mechanism and controlling factors discussed. Problems concerned with detecting the cracks by destructive and non-destructive methods are outlined. The paper then deals in detail with testing techniques for reheat crack susceptibility and with methods of controlling the problem of underclad and structural weld cracking. Finally, the engineering significance of the cracks in relation to hydrotesting and service is discussed. An appendix gives recommendations for additional work on the subject. (author)