Review of effects of long-term aging on the mechanical properties and microstructures of Types 304 and 316 stainless steel

Because commercial liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) are designed to last for 40 years or more, an understanding of the mechanical behavior of the structural alloys used in them is required for times on the order of 2.5 x 105 h (assuming a 70% availability factor). Types 304 and 316 stainless steel are used extensively in LMFBR systems. At the beginning of life these alloys are in a metastable state and evolve to a more stable state and, therefore, more stable microstructure during plant operation. Correlations of microstructures and mechanical properties during aging under representative LMFBR temperature and loading conditions are desirable from the standpoint of assuring safe, reliable, and economic plant operation. We reviewed the mechanical properties and microstructures of types 304 and 316 stainless steel wrought alloys after long-term aging in air for times up to 9 x 104 h (about 10-1/2 years). The principal effect of such aging is to reduce low temperature fracture toughness (as measured by Charpy impact test) and tensile ductility. Examples are cited, however, where, because stable microstructures are achieved, these as well as strength-related properties can be expected to remain adequate for anticipated service life conditions. 16 refs., 19 figs