Comparison of fracture properties in SA508 Gr.3 and Gr.4N high strength low alloy steels for advanced pressure vessel materials

Nuclear power systems are moving to a larger capacity or smaller modular type. In any either case, advanced pressure vessel materials with high strength and toughness are definitely needed for an optimization of the design and construction, as well as the long-term operation. In this paper, two candidate materials, both of which are within the current ASME specifications of SA508 steel forging, are compared from the view point of fracture resistance properties for a nuclear pressure vessel steel. The microstructure and mechanical properties of SA508 Gr.3 Cl.1, Cl.2, and Gr.4N steels were also characterized. The predominant microstructure of SA508 Gr.4N model alloy is tempered martensite, while SA508 Gr.3 Cl.1 and Cl.2 steels show a tempered upper bainitic structure. SA508 Gr. 4N model alloy showed the best strength and transition behavior among the three types of SA508 steel. SA508 Gr.3 Cl.2 steel has good strength and fracture toughness, but there is a decrease in the upper-self energy. The fracture resistance and fatigue crack growth rate of SA508 Gr.3 Cl.2 and Gr.4N steels were comparable to those of SA508 Gr.3 Cl.1 steel. In terms of mechanical properties, SA508 Gr.4N steel is a fascinating material for the pressure vessel application although it still needs verification on the aging behavior such as the irradiation embrittlement resistance.