Magnetic properties of a highly neutron-irradiated nuclear reactor pressure vessel steel

We report results of minor B–H loop measurements on a highly neutron-irradiated A533B-type reactor pressure vessel steel. A minor-loop coefficient, which is a sensitive indicator of internal stress, changes with neutron fluence, but depends on relative orientation to the rolling direction in the low fluence regime. At a higher fluence of ∼10 × 1023 m−2, on the other hand, an anomalous increase of the coefficient was detected irrespective of the orientation. The results were interpreted as due to competing irradiation mechanisms of the formation of Cu-rich precipitates, recovery process, and the formation of late-blooming Mn–Ni–Si-rich clusters.

► Heavy neutron irradiation effects were investigated by magnetic measurements.
► Manufacturing process influences the magnetic properties at low fluence.
► An anomalous increase of magnetic properties was detected at high fluence.
► The formation of late-blooming phase was detected by magnetic method.