Mechanistic Understanding of Creep-Fatigue led Degradation of Electron Bean Welded ODS Steels in Tension and Compression Hold

Welding of thick steel plates are essential requirement of future nuclear power plant components. The welding processes generate residual stresses, which can have negative effects on the service life of welded components or structures. When present in addition to external loadings, residual stresses can contribute to premature component failure and can affect crack initiation and growth. Due to extremely high temperature in future nuclear power plants, instability of the residual stress in complex creep-fatigue loading environment is of significant concern for the structural integrity of welded components. In this experiment, we will use Electron Beam Welded (EBM) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welded (GTAW) Ferritic- Martensitic Steel and AISI 316(L) 30mm thick welds of recently funded pilot project SiMeW (Simulation and Measurement of Welds) of The Joint Programme on Nuclear Materials of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA-JPNM). The experiment will lead to development of an empirical model of residual stress stability in tension and compression creep holds at extremely high temperature 700℃ which will be used in Gen-IV nuclear reactors.