Application of neutron stress diffractometry for studies of residual stresses and microstrains in reactor pressure vessel surveillance specimens reconstituted by beam welding methods

Abstract

The high-resolution neutron-diffraction technique is used to determine the residual stresses and microstrains in unirradiated reactor pressure vessel surveillance specimens reconstituted by means of different welding methods. Comparative analysis of the results demonstrates that the lowest level of residual stresses is observed in the specimens reconstituted via electron-beam welding. The level of microstrains thereof is maximum, indicating a high dislocation density in the material.