Topic: Perspective on SCC of Structural Materials in Hot Water

Speaker: Peter L. Andresen

          GE Global Research Center

Time: 10:30-12:00 AM., (Thur.) Sept.12, 2013

Venue: Room 403, Shi Changxu Building, IMR CAS

Abstract:

While chosen to be highly resistant if not immune to stress corrosion cracking (SCC), structural materials have cracked extensively in light water reactors. This talk summarizes some of this historical reasons for the inadequate recognition of SCC vulnerabilities, including the emphasis on immunity in the Design Codes, the simplistic, short-term experiments performed for SCC evaluation, and belief that the crack initiation response of thin surface layers could be evaluated in a plant-relevant and reliable fashion for components designed to operate for 40, 60 or 80 years. The primary parameters that affect SCC response will be discussed, along with the challenges facing light water reactors as they age.