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Characterization of irradiated AISI 316L stainless steel disks removed from the Spallation Neutron Source

by Bradley J Vevera, James W Hyres, David A Mcclintock, Bernard W Riemer
Publication Type
Conference Paper
Journal Name
Journal of Nuclear Materials
Publication Date
Page Numbers
147 to 162
Volume
450
Issue
1-3
Conference Name
11th International Workshop on Spallation Materials Technology (IWSMT-11)
Conference Location
Ghent, Belgium
Conference Sponsor
SCK-CEN (Belgium)
Conference Date
-

Irradiated AISI 316L stainless steel disks were removed from the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) for post-irradiation examination (PIE) to assess mechanical property changes due to radiation damage and erosion of the target vessel. Topics reviewed include high-resolution photography of the disk specimens, cleaning to remove mercury (Hg) residue and surface oxides, profile mapping of cavitation pits using high frequency ultrasonic testing (UT), high-resolution surface replication, and machining of test specimens using wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), tensile testing, Rockwell Superficial hardness testing, Vickers microhardness testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The effectiveness of the cleaning procedure was evident in the pre- and post-cleaning photography and permitted accurate placement of the test specimens on the disks. Due to the limited amount of material available and the unique geometry of the disks, machine fixturing and test specimen design were critical aspects of this work. Multiple designs were considered and refined during mock-up test runs on unirradiated disks. The techniques used to successfully machine and test the various specimens will be presented along with a summary of important findings from the laboratory examinations.