About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Symposium
|
Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) 2025
|
| Presentation Title |
Characterization of Mn-Si Rich Precipitates in Neutron-Irradiated Reactor Pressure Vessel Weld Metal |
| Author(s) |
Jasmyne N. Emerson, Ching-Heng Shiau, Jana Howard, Yaqiao Wu, Elliot Marrero-Jackson, Grayson Nemets, Janelle Wharry, Maria Okuniewski |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jasmyne N. Emerson |
| Abstract Scope |
Understanding radiation-induced microstructural evolution in reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels is critical for ensuring the long-term integrity of nuclear reactors. In this work, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was utilized to characterize the precipitation behavior in neutron-irradiated SA508 Grade 2 base metal and Linde 1092 weld metal, both extracted from surveillance programs. Samples were irradiated to doses of 0.1 and 0.2 dpa. High-resolution TEM-EDS analysis revealed the presence of Mn- and Si-rich amorphous precipitates exclusively within the weld metal, with no analogous features detected in the base metal. This selective formation suggests that the precipitates originate from welding-related chemical segregation or solidification processes, rather than being a direct consequence of irradiation. Although irradiation may impact the stability or growth of these precipitates, their initial presence highlights the role of welding microstructure in predisposing weld regions to embrittlement. The size, morphology, and compositional characteristics of these precipitates are quantified. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of welding-induced microstructure and the difference between precipitate formation in the weld and base metal under neutron irradiation. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |